ENCYCLOPEDIA OF
MUSCLE & STRENGTH
SECOND EDITION
JIM STOPPANI, PHD
Human Kinetics
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Stoppani, James, 1968[Encyclopedia of muscle & strength]
Jim Stoppani’s encyclopedia of muscle & strength / Jim Stoppani. -- Second Edition.
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Includes bibliographical references and index.
1. Weight training. 2. Bodybuilding. 3. Muscle strength. I. Title. II. Title: Jim Stoppani’s encyclopedia of muscle and
strength.
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Copyright © 2015, 2006 by Jim Stoppani
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E6002
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF
MUSCLE & STRENGTH
SECOND EDITION
CONTENTS
PART I TRAINING ESSENTIALS
CHAPTER 1
Core Concepts
3
CHAPTER 2
Training Variables
9
CHAPTER 3
Training Cycles
17
CHAPTER 4
Strength Training Equipment
25
PART II TRAINING FOR MUSCLE MASS
CHAPTER 5
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
43
CHAPTER 6
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
77
CHAPTER 7
Training Cycles for Building Muscle Mass
131
PART III TRAINING FOR MAXIMAL STRENGTH
CHAPTER 8
Tactics for Maximizing Strength
173
CHAPTER 9
Programs for Maximizing Strength
187
CHAPTER 10 Training Cycles for Gaining Maximal Strength
227
PART IV TRAINING FOR MAXIMAL FAT LOSS
iv
CHAPTER 11 Tactics for Maximizing Fat Loss
253
CHAPTER 12 Cardio Training for Maximizing Fat Loss
257
CHAPTER 13 Programs for Maximizing Fat Loss
273
PART V TRAINING EXERCISES
CHAPTER 14 Chest
307
CHAPTER 15 Shoulders
332
CHAPTER 16 Back
361
CHAPTER 17 Trapezius
385
CHAPTER 18 Triceps
398
CHAPTER 19 Biceps
415
CHAPTER 20 Forearms
435
CHAPTER 21 Quadriceps
442
CHAPTER 22 Hamstrings and Glutes
457
CHAPTER 23 Calves
464
CHAPTER 24 Abdominals and Core
474
CHAPTER 25 Whole Body
499
CHAPTER 26 Calisthenics
518
PART VI NUTRITION FOR MAXIMIZING MUSCLE MASS,
STRENGTH, AND FAT LOSS
CHAPTER 27 Nutrition for Maximizing Muscle Mass and Strength 527
CHAPTER 28 Nutrition for Maximizing Fat Loss
Appendix A Metric Equivalents for Dumbbells and Weight Plates
Appendix B List of Alternative Foods 559
Glossary 561
References 565
Index 570
About the Author 578
543
558
v
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PART I
TRAINING
ESSENTIALS
2
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Strength training can be traced back to the beginning of recorded time. As early as 2000 b.c.e., the
ancient Egyptians lifted sacks of sand to strengthtrain for hunting and military duty. According to
military records, the Chinese also used strength
training for their military personnel as early as
700 b.c.e. But the historical association that most
people are familiar with is the ancient Greeks.
Many of the athletes who competed in the ancient
Olympics lifted heavy stones to develop strength
and boost their athletic performance. Besides
those functional results, strength training provided
the development of a muscular physique. This
masculine physique was honored in classic Greek
art and writing. In fact, it may be the ancient Greek
culture’s celebration of muscle that is responsible
for spawning the modern sport of bodybuilding.
Several famous athletes during that period, such
as Milo and Heracles, often performed feats of
strength and displayed their muscularity to spectators. In the 19th century, the appreciation by
the masses for heavily muscled physiques made
celebrities out of many performing strongmen of
that time. The most famous was Eugen Sandow,
who is considered the father of bodybuilding.
Despite the fact that humans have a longstanding fascination with strength and muscularity, the
concept of strength training is one that few have
familiarized themselves with. Even during the
fitness boom of the 1970s in the United States,
most Americans participated in some form of
aerobic exercise but neglected the strength component of physical fitness. Over the years, with
help from pioneers of strength training (such as
Bob Hoffman, Joe Weider, and Charles Atlas) and
through advances in research on the developing
science of resistance training, strength became
viewed as a necessary component of physical fitness and athletic performance. And participation
in strength training grew faster than participation
in any other physical activity.
As the popularity of strength training grew, so
did awareness that this practice was a complicated
science that participants must fully understand in
order to reap the true benefits. That is why part I
of this book is so important for anyone interested
in strength training at any level. Unless you clearly
understand the principles of strength training, you
will never fully comprehend how to implement an
effective strength training program.
So before you skip ahead to one of the strength
training programs in parts II, III, and IV, be sure
you have a decent grasp of the fundamentals
presented in these first four chapters. Armed
with this background, you will have a much fuller
understanding of the exercises, techniques, and
programs presented in the other chapters. You
also will be more capable of individualizing these
techniques to create specialized programs for
yourself and for others.
CHAPTER 1
Core Concepts
Strength training is performed by a wide range of
people for a variety of reasons. Most are interested
in gaining muscle strength and muscle mass with
a concomitant loss of body fat. In addition, many
people expect these physical adaptations to carry
over into improvements in performance of athletic
endeavors and daily life activities. Strength training can provide these adaptations as long as you
follow certain principles, which are discussed here
to help you realize your strength training goals.
These principles are integral to understanding how
strength training works, how to individualize it to
meet your needs and goals, and how to change it
to continue making adaptations as you progress.
In addition to understanding the concepts of
strength training, you must be familiar with the
terminology that is often used in discussions of
strength training. Having the ability to understand
and use this lexicon will help you to learn the fundamentals of strength training and to communicate
with others who participate in strength training. To
familiarize yourself with this vocabulary, refer to
the glossary at the end of this book.
Before we can discuss the principles of strength
training, we must define the major terms that will
be discussed throughout this book. First and foremost is the actual term strength training. If you’ve
done a fair share of reading on the topic of strength
training—be it on the Internet, in magazines, or
in other books—you’ve probably discovered that
the terms strength training, weight training, and
resistance training are often used interchangeably.
While there are definite similarities in the three
terms, a more precise interpretation of the definitions points out the differences. Resistance training is the broadest of the three terms. It describes
any type of training in which the body must move
in some direction against some type of force that
resists that movement. This could include lifting
free weights, pushing against a hydraulic apparatus, or running up a set of stairs. Strength training
is a type of resistance training (although not all
types of resistance training are strength training).
Specifically, strength training refers to any type
of training that involves the body moving in some
direction against a force that specifically induces
changes in muscle strength or hypertrophy (muscle
growth). This could include lifting free weights or
moving against a hydraulic apparatus, but not
running up a set of stairs. Weight training is also
a type of resistance training and can be a type of
strength training. By strict terms of its definition,
it refers to any type of training in which the body
moves in some direction against a force that
resists that movement and is supplied by some
type of weight. This could include free weights and
weight machines but not training with a hydraulic
apparatus or running up a set of stairs. See table
1.1 for a list of training methods that are categorized under each of these types of training.
This book covers strength training (most of it will
be weight training), because it best describes the
types of training that we are interested in—exercise that involves the body moving against a force
in an effort to induce changes in muscle strength
or hypertrophy.
3
4
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 1.1 Categories and Methods of Training
Type of training
Resistance training
Strength training
Weight training
Sample training methods
Free weights (including common objects)
Weight machines (linear guided, cable or pulley system, cam based)
Hydraulic machines
Pneumatic machines
Isokinetic machines
Body-weight training
Sled dragging
Parachute running
Free weights (including common objects)
Weight machines (linear guided, cable or pulley system, cam based)
Hydraulic machines
Pneumatic machines
Body-weight training
Free weights (including common objects)
Weight machines (linear guided, cable or pulley system, cam based)
DEFINITIONS OF STRENGTH
The basic definition of strength is the maximal
amount of force a muscle or muscle group can
generate in a specified movement pattern at a
specified velocity (speed) of movement (Knuttgen
and Kraemer 1987). But defining strength is not
that simple. That’s because strength has many
manifestations. The following definitions are all
forms of strength.
absolute strength—The maximal amount of force
a muscle can produce when all inhibitory and
protective mechanisms are removed. Because
of this, it is rare that a person could ever demonstrate his or her absolute strength. This can
take place only under extreme measures such
as during an emergency, under hypnosis, or with
certain ergogenic aids.
maximal strength—The maximal amount of force
a muscle or muscle groups can produce in a
specific exercise for one repetition. This is also
referred to as one-repetition maximum, or 1RM.
Some estimate that the 1RM usually amounts
to only about 80 percent of absolute strength.
This type of strength is important for powerlifters.
relative strength—The ratio between a person’s
maximal strength and his or her body weight.
This is important when comparing the strength
of athletes who are much different in body size.
Relative strength is determined by dividing the
1RM by the body weight of the person. For
example, a 200-pound (91-kilogram) athlete who
can bench-press 400 pounds (400 ÷ 200 = 2)
has the same relative strength as a 100-pound
(45-kilogram) athlete who can bench-press 200
pounds (200 ÷ 100 = 2). This type of strength is
important for powerlifters as well as for football
players and other strength athletes who are often
compared with other teammates as a means of
predicting performance on the field.
speed strength—The ability to move the body or
an object quickly. This term is more commonly
known as power. This type of strength is important for most sports but is most critical in track
and field events such as the shot put, javelin,
and long jump.
starting strength—The ability to generate a sharp
rise in power during the initial phase of the
movement. This type of strength is important in
Olympic weightlifting, deadlifts, boxing, martial
arts, and offensive line positions in football,
where strength must be generated immediately.
acceleration strength—The ability to continue the
sharp rise in power throughout most of the movement of the exercise. This type of strength takes
over after starting strength and is important for
sports such as judo, wrestling, and sprinting.
endurance strength—The ability to maintain force
production for a longer time or through multiple
repetitions of an exercise. This type of strength
is important in wrestling, cycling, swimming, and
training for bodybuilding.
5
Core Concepts
Considering these numerous types of strength
that a person can train for specifically, it’s easy
to understand that the term strength training
encompasses many types of training approaches.
Regardless of whether you are training for maximal
strength, power, or endurance strength, you are
following some form of strength training. Each of
these types of strength is developed with the use
of resistance of some type, be it free weights,
machines, or body weight. Although this book
focuses on strength training for muscle mass and
strength, as well as fat loss, other muscle adaptations can take place with the use of strength
training.
contracts without moving, generating force
while its length remains static. Isometric
muscle actions are demonstrated in an
attempt to lift an immovable object or
an object that is too heavy to move. The
muscle fibers contract in an attempt to
move the weight, but the muscle does
not shorten in overall length because the
object is too heavy to move.
Concentric:
muscle shortens
TYPES OF MUSCLE ACTION
During a typical strength training session, muscles
may contract from tens to hundreds of times to
move the body or the implement they are training
with. Neural stimulation of the muscle causes
the contractile units of the muscle to attempt to
shorten. But contraction does not always involve
shortening of the muscle fibers. Depending on
the load and the amount of force supplied by the
muscle, three different muscle actions may occur
during a muscle contraction (see figure 1.1):
1. Concentric muscle action. This type of
muscle action occurs when the muscle
force exceeds the external resistance,
resulting in joint movement as the muscle
shortens. In other words, concentric contractions are those in which the muscle
fibers shorten while contracting to lift the
weight. This is demonstrated by the upward
phase of a biceps curl and is often referred
to as the positive phase of the repetition.
2. Eccentric muscle action. This type of muscle
action occurs when the external resistance
exceeds the force supplied by the muscle,
resulting in joint movement as the muscle
lengthens. Eccentric muscle actions are
demonstrated by the downward phase of
the biceps curl. This is often referred to as
the negative portion of the repetition. Even
though the fibers are lengthening, they’re
also in a state of contraction, permitting
the weight to return to the starting position
in a controlled manner.
3. Isometric muscle action. This type of
muscle action occurs when the muscle
Isometric:
muscle length
is unchanged
Eccentric:
muscle lengthens
FIGURE 1.1 Major types of muscle actions: concentric,
isometric, and eccentric.
Among strength training scientists there is much
debate about the importance of each of these
E6002/Stoppani/fig
1.01/496056/alw/R1-pulled
types of muscle
actions regarding increases in
strength and muscle mass. Studies have been conducted in an effort to determine whether one type
of muscle action is most important for enhancing
muscle strength and mass. Because it is possible
to produce greater force during eccentric and isometric muscle actions as compared to concentric
muscle actions, it has been hypothesized that
these muscle actions may be more important than
concentric muscle actions for inducing changes in
muscle strength and size.
Researchers have found that training with
isometric muscle actions can increase muscle
strength and size (Fleck and Schutt 1985). However, the strength gains from isometric training
are realized only during the specific joint angles at
which the muscles were trained. In other words, if
someone trains isometrically on the bench press
at the point halfway between the start and finish,
6
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
that person will gain muscle strength only at that
specific point in the exercise. This would not
equate to greater overall strength in the bench
press unless a variety of joint angles between the
start and finish were also trained isometrically.
Therefore, while isometric training can be beneficial, concentric and eccentric muscle actions
should also be included for better overall muscle
adaptations. For a sample training program that
uses isometric muscle actions, see Static Strength
Training in chapter 9.
Because it is possible to overload a muscle
more during eccentric muscle contractions, these
contractions cause more muscle damage. It has
been hypothesized that this greater overload can
induce greater gains in strength. Indeed, research
has shown that eccentric-only training does induce
significant strength gains; however, this training
appears to offer no greater strength benefit than
concentric-only training. Therefore, to maximize
muscle adaptations, strength training programs
need to incorporate both concentric and eccentric
muscle actions. For sample training programs that
incorporate eccentric training, see Negative Repetitions in chapter 6 and Negative-Rep Strength
Training in chapter 9.
The use of concentric, eccentric, and isometric
muscle actions in strength training will yield somewhat different adaptations. Although isometric
muscle actions can improve strength and muscle
size to some degree, they provide mainly static
strength. This does not necessarily carry over to
dynamic strength used for most sports. Therefore,
most strength training programs should focus on
concentric and eccentric muscle actions. Greater
improvements in strength and muscle mass can be
achieved when repetitions include both concentric
and eccentric muscle actions.
Another type of muscle action that should
be considered here is called voluntary maximal
muscle action. This type of muscle action does
not refer to the actual movement of the muscle
but to the intensity of the resistance. When a
muscle undergoes a voluntary maximal muscle
action, it is moving against as much resistance
as its current fatigue level will allow. Regardless
of how many repetitions are performed in a set—
whether it be 1 or 10—it is the last repetition,
when momentary concentric muscle failure is
reached, that is considered the voluntary maximal
muscle action. In other words, not another single
repetition can be performed. This is also referred
to as the repetition maximum (RM) and is usually
represented with a number preceding the RM.
For example, 1RM would represent the amount of
weight that induces a voluntary maximal muscle
action with one repetition. A 10RM is the amount
of weight that induces a voluntary maximal muscle
action on the 10th repetition.
PRINCIPLES OF STRENGTH
TRAINING
Countless principles of strength training are being
employed today. But the validity of many of these
principles is questionable, because few strength
training professionals agree on the majority of
them. However, there are a few principles that are
revered by all strength training professionals: the
principle of specificity, the principle of progressive
overload, the principle of individuality, the principle
of variation, the principle of maintenance, and the
principle of reversibility. So important are these
principles that few would argue against their being
considered laws of strength training.
principle of specificity—One of the seminal principles in designing strength training programs.
It is often referred to as SAID, which stands for
“specific adaptation to imposed demands.” In
its most basic definition, it means to train in a
specific manner to produce a specific outcome.
For instance, if the immediate goal is to increase
1RM strength, then training with the appropriate
range of repetition, proper rest periods, and
apposite frequency to optimize strength gains is
a necessity. Or if the goal is to increase athletic
performance in a specific sport, the exercises
should mimic the types of movements performed
in the sport, and they should be performed at
a similar speed as those movements. This principle is one of the most important in strength
training because if it is not being met, all other
principles are negated.
principle of progressive overload—The practice
of continually increasing the intensity of the
workout as the muscle becomes accustomed
to that intensity level. This can be done by
increasing the weight lifted, the number of repetitions performed, or the total number of sets; or
it can be done by decreasing the rest between
sets. Continually increasing the stress placed
on the muscle allows the muscle to increase its
7
Core Concepts
strength and prevents stagnation. This is one of
the most critical principles of strength training
as well as one of the earliest developed. This
principle was established just after World War II
by the research of DeLorme (1945) and DeLorme and Watkins (1948). Without providing the
muscles with progressive overload, continual
adaptations in muscle strength and size would
cease. For example, at the start of a strength
training program, performing three sets of 10
reps on the bench press with 135 pounds may
be a challenge. After several weeks of training,
performing three sets of 10 reps on the bench
press with 135 pounds will become easy. At this
stage, training adaptations will cease unless
the weight is increased above 135 pounds, the
reps are increased above 10 reps, the sets are
increased to more than three, or the rest between
sets is decreased.
principle of maintenance—As a person reaches
his or her goals, it takes less work to maintain
that level of strength or muscle mass. If he or
she is happy with that level, the frequency of
training can be reduced. This is typically a good
time to involve more cross-training so that other
fitness components can be developed.
principle of individuality—The theory that any training program must consider the specific needs or
goals and abilities of the person for whom it is
designed. For example, a beginning bodybuilder
with the goal of adding muscle mass would
have a much different training program than an
advanced bodybuilder with the same goal. The
difference in their training programs is based not
on their desired training outcomes but on their
training experiences. The advanced trainer would
require more volume and high-intensity training
techniques to reach the same goal as the beginner. On the other hand, an advanced lifter who
has the goal of gaining muscle mass would train
much differently than an advanced lifter with the
goal of gaining muscle strength. Here the difference in their training programs is based on their
different goals. In general, the advanced lifter
with the goal of gaining more muscle strength
would train with fewer reps, heavier weight, and
lower volume than the advanced lifter with the
muscle mass goal.
You might have trouble finding the time to sneak
in a workout, let alone worry about properly warming up before and stretching after the workout.
However, how you prepare and end your strength
training sessions can have a big impact on your
results as well as your quality of life, especially as
you get older. Try your best to warm up properly
before each workout and do some stretching to
cool down after the workout.
A general warm-up of 5 to 10 minutes on a treadmill or stationary bike, some calisthenics, or, better
yet, dynamic stretches such as high kicks and arm
circles will raise your body temperature sufficiently.
A study by Taylor and colleagues (2011) found that
just a 0.3 °F increase in body temperature allowed
athletes to jump 6 percent higher and have 10 percent more power. In other words, a short warm-up
allows you to be stronger and perform better in the
gym. Doing dynamic stretches as a warm-up further increases muscle power and strength during
the warm-up. On the other hand, static stretching
before strength training may impair muscle power
and strength during the workout.
Your best bet is to save static stretching for the
cool-down and as a way to increase your flexibility.
This form of stretching is particularly effective for
maximizing flexibility when done after workouts
when the body is warmer and the muscles are more
fatigued. This book does not focus on stretching
exercises, so for a good resource, pick up the book
Full-Body Flexibility, Second Edition, by Jay Blahnik
(Human Kinetics 2011).
principle of variation—The simple fact that no
matter how effective a program is, it will be effective only for a short period. Once a person has
experienced the specific adaptations that a particular training program is designed to provide, a
new stimulus must be imposed on the muscles
or continued progress will be stagnated. This
is the foundation of periodization (discussed in
chapter 3) and is the reason that training cycles
must be employed.
principle of reversibility—The fact that once the
strength training program is discontinued or not
maintained at the minimal level of frequency and
intensity, the strength or hypertrophy adaptations
that were made with that program will not only
stop forward progression but will also revert back
to the starting level.
WARMING UP, STRETCHING,
AND COOLING DOWN
8
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
SUMMARY
To properly apply any discipline, you must first
familiarize yourself with the principles of the
discipline. Without a clear understanding of the
foundation of strength training, the application of
it will be lacking. Just as an athlete who doesn’t
understand the basics of his sport will do poorly
in that sport, not understanding the basics of
strength training will severely limit your potential.
Regardless of whether your goal is to increase
muscle mass or muscle strength, having this
knowledge will have a positive effect on your ability
to reach your goal.
First you must understand the different types
of strength that you can train for: absolute, maximal, relative, speed, starting, acceleration, and
endurance. Being familiar with the different muscle
actions is essential to understanding the components of any repetition you perform. You will learn
the concepts to follow in order for adaptations
to take place. This basic information is just the
starting point. This knowledge base will continue
to grow with information contained in the following
chapters of part I. Once you are armed with this
seminal information, applying the training techniques and programs in the later sections will be
easier and the results will be more substantial.
CHAPTER 2
Training Variables
The average strength training program will last
several weeks to several months before a new
training phase is implemented. Considering this
time frame, a single workout may seem inconsequential to the overall program. Yet the design of
each single workout is just as important as the
overall program. This is because each workout
adds up sequentially to create the long-term training program that will provide the adaptations that
the program imparts. This chapter discusses the
principles involved in designing a single strength
training workout.
Every workout is composed of at least five specific program variables that you can manipulate
in order to alter the workout: choice of exercises,
order of exercises, number of sets, resistance,
and rest taken between sets. You must carefully
choose these variables to get a workout that is
appropriate for your level of fitness and that initiates the desired adaptations.
Although strength athletes such as Olympic
weightlifters, powerlifters, and bodybuilders have
manipulated these variables for many years, William
J. Kraemer, PhD, is credited with scientifically determining and recording what he has termed the five
specific clusters of acute program variables (see
table 2.1). The systematic alteration of these acute
variables results in the periodized training program.
CHOICE OF EXERCISES
While all acute variables of a program are critical to a person’s progress, choice of exercise is
arguably one of the most critical. The reasoning
behind this is that if you are not training the appropriate muscle groups, then all other variables are
somewhat meaningless. Simply put, muscles that
are not trained will not benefit from the program.
Therefore, choosing the proper exercises for each
workout is the first step in creating an effective
strength program.
TABLE 2.1 Program Design Details
Variable
Choice of
exercises
Specifics
Primary exercises
Assistance exercises
Multijoint exercises
Single-joint exercises
Exercise equipment
Order of
Primary exercises followed by
exercises
assistance exercises
Larger muscle groups followed by
smaller muscle groups
Lagging muscle groups trained first
Straight sets for each exercise
Supersets
Number of Volume effects
sets
Single sets
Multiple sets
Number of sets performed per exercise
Number of sets performed per muscle
group
Number of sets performed per workout
Resistance Percentage of 1RM
(intensity) RM target zone
OMNI-resistance exercise scale
Rest period Dependent on resistance used
between
Dependent on muscle adaptation
sets
desired
Dependent on metabolic pathway
being trained
Dependent on training technique
Adapted from S.J. Fleck and W.J. Kraemer, Designing resistance
training programs, 3rd ed. (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 158-73.
For those interested in gaining muscle strength,
all exercises in a workout can be categorized as
either a primary exercise or an assistance exercise. Refer to table 2.2 for a list of common primary and assistance exercises. Primary exercises
are those that are most specific to the goals of
the individual. These exercises must involve the
9
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 2.2 Primary and Assistance
Exercises
Primary exercises
Power clean
Deadlift
Squat
Leg press
Bench press
Military press
Barbell row
Pull-up
Assistance exercises
Knee extension
Leg curl
Chest fly
Deltoid lateral raise
Biceps curl
Triceps extension
Wrist curl
Calf raise
Abdominal crunch
muscle groups in which the person is most interested in gaining strength. For competitive athletes,
the primary exercises not only should target the
same muscle groups that are used in competition but should also include some exercises that
mimic the movements performed in their sports.
For example, the primary exercises for an Olympic
weightlifter are the clean and jerk and the snatch;
for a powerlifter they are the bench press, squat,
and deadlift; for an offensive lineman they are the
squat and incline bench press.
Primary exercises usually are multijoint movements such as the bench press, squat, and
deadlift. These exercises require the coordinated
use of multiple muscle groups. Because several
large muscle groups are used in performing these
exercises, they tend to be the ones in which the
most weight can be lifted. For instance, the world
records in the deadlift and the squat are well over
900 and 1,100 pounds (408 and 499 kilograms),
respectively. The world record in the barbell biceps
curl (although this is not a lift that is sanctioned by
any powerlifting federation), a single-joint exercise
(typically referred to as an assistance exercise),
is not much more than 400 pounds (181 kilograms). Because the primary exercises call for
great strength and coordination, they should be
performed early in the workout when the muscle
groups are the least fatigued.
Assistance exercises typically are single-joint
exercises such as the biceps curl, triceps extension, and deltoid lateral raise. These exercises
often involve only a single muscle group. Because
only one muscle group is working to lift the weight,
these exercises usually involve much lighter
weight than primary exercises do. For powerlifters and other strength athletes, assistance
exercises are usually done toward the end of the
workout after the major muscle groups are fairly
fatigued from performing the primary exercises.
An exception to the rule that most assistance
exercises are single-joint exercises is core training. Training the core (the deep muscles in the
abdominal cavity and lower back) involves complicated movement patterns that involve multiple
joints and force the core musculature to work at
stabilizing the body.
For those interested in building muscle size, all
exercises also can be divided into multijoint and
single-joint exercises. However, the terms used in
bodybuilding circles are multijoint and isolation
exercises. Isolation implies that the single-joint
movement is isolating the major muscle group and
forcing it to perform all the work in that exercise
without the help from other muscle groups. An
example of this is the leg extension. While most
major muscle groups have both multijoint and
isolation exercises that target them, the biceps,
forearms, calves, and abdominals are muscle
groups that are trained usually with just isolation
exercises. For a list of multijoint and isolation
exercises for most major muscle groups, refer to
table 2.3.
TABLE 2.3 Multijoint and Isolation Exercises
Muscle
group
Chest
Shoulders
Triceps
Multijoint exercises
Bench press
Dumbbell bench
press
Barbell overhead
press
Upright row
Close-grip bench
press
Dips
Biceps
Forearms
Quadriceps
Squat
Leg press
Hamstrings Squat
Deadlift
Calves
Abdominals
Isolation exercises
Dumbbell fly
Cable crossover
Lateral raise
Front raise
Triceps pressdown
Lying triceps
extension
Barbell curl
Seated incline curl
Wrist curl
Reverse wrist curl
Leg extension
Leg curl
Romanian deadlift
Standing calf raise
Seated calf raise
Crunch
Reverse crunch
11
Training Variables
Exercise equipment is another factor to consider
when choosing exercises for an individual workout.
While free weights are used in the majority of the
primary exercises, other equipment has its benefits depending on the overall goals of the person.
For example, to mimic movements that occur in
a more horizontal plane while an athlete is in an
upright position (such as swinging a baseball bat),
free weights are a poor choice because they offer
resistance only in a vertical plane. Here, the use
of a cable apparatus or resistance tubing would
be a better exercise choice. Choosing appropriate
strength training equipment is discussed in more
detail in chapter 4.
ORDER OF EXERCISES
How the specific exercises that make up a single
workout are ordered will determine not only the
effectiveness of the workout but also the particular
adaptations that the program imparts. Therefore,
the order in which exercises are performed must
correspond with the specific training goals.
In training for strength, the primary exercises are
performed first in the workout relative to assistance
exercises. The logic behind this is the fact that
primary exercises typically involve numerous large
muscle groups working together to lift relatively
heavy weight. Therefore, these exercises must be
done early enough in the program that fatigue is
not an issue. Performing single-joint exercises first
will compromise the amount of weight a person can
lift on the primary exercises and may even make
the person more susceptible to injury, because
form tends to suffer when muscles are fatigued.
If building muscle size is the primary goal, then
multijoint exercises should be performed first
with isolation exercises performed later in the
workout. The multijoint exercises help to build
muscle size because it is possible to train with
heavier weight on them. An exception to this rule
involves a common bodybuilding technique known
as preexhaust. This technique involves the use of
single-joint exercises before multijoint exercises
in an effort to exhaust a particular muscle group
so that it becomes the weak link in the multijoint
exercise. This concept is discussed in detail in
chapter 6.
If multiple muscle groups are trained in a workout, such as in whole-body workouts, and only one
exercise per major muscle group is performed,
then ordering exercises involves determining the
most critical muscle groups based on the goals of
the person. Typically, larger-sized muscle groups
(such as the legs and back) are trained before
smaller muscle groups (such as the shoulders and
biceps) for the same reason mentioned previously:
Larger muscle groups need to be trained before
fatigue is an issue.
NUMBER OF SETS
A set is a grouping of repetitions that is followed
by a rest interval. The number of sets performed
in a workout is one of the factors affecting the
total volume (sets ! repetitions ! resistance) of
exercise. Therefore, it must be consistent not only
with the individual’s strength goals but also with
his or her current level of fitness.
Generally speaking, it is accepted that multiple
sets are more beneficial for developing strength
and muscle mass. In fact, this stance is supported
in guidelines set by the National Strength and
Conditioning Association (Pearson et al. 2000)
and the American College of Sports Medicine
(Kraemer et al. 2002). Single sets are effective
for building strength for beginning weightlifters
or for maintaining strength during periods when
it is necessary or desired to reduce the volume
performed. Beginners starting with a single-set
program should progressively increase the number
of sets to make continued adaptations in strength.
When designing a workout, one should consider
the number of sets performed per exercise, the
number of sets per muscle group, and the total
number of sets for the workout. The number of
sets per exercise typically varies depending on
the strength training program. Most programs
designed for the intermediate to advanced weight
trainer incorporate between three and six sets per
exercise. This set range is considered optimal for
increasing strength. How many sets one should
perform per muscle group is a question that is
most applicable to bodybuilding-type training, in
which numerous exercises are performed for each
muscle group. This is in opposition to strength training programs for conditioning athletes, which may
typically involve only one exercise per major muscle
group. The number of sets per muscle group may
range from 3 to 24 but ultimately depends on the
number of exercises performed for that muscle
group, the number of muscle groups trained in that
workout, the intensity used, and where the person
is in his or her training cycle. The total number of
12
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
sets performed for a workout may vary from about
10 to 40, depending on the type of training and the
number of sets per exercise. Care must be taken
so that not too many total sets are performed,
particularly when intensity is high, since these variables greatly influence total work. Performing too
much total work over time stresses the body and
can lead to overtraining in the long run. Although
defining how much work is too much is a difficult
task because many factors are involved, such as
the person’s training experience and genetics,
general recommendations can be made. Typically
doing more than 20 sets per muscle group for an
extended period can lead to overtraining. In addition, doing more than 40 sets per workout, even
when multiple muscle groups are trained in that
workout, can lead to overtraining if done too frequently or if proper nutrition is not being followed.
As for any other acute variables of training,
the number of sets should be manipulated to
prevent stagnation of training adaptations. The
most important variable of training that influences
the number of sets that should be performed is
intensity (the amount of weight lifted). The greater
the intensity, the greater the stress placed on the
muscle, and thus the lower the number of sets that
should be performed. Therefore, the total number
of sets in a training cycle should vary inversely with
training intensity. In fact, training with too many
total sets can be detrimental to the adaptations
of strength training and lead to overtraining.
RESISTANCE
The term intensity refers to the amount of weight
lifted (or resistance used) on a particular set. Alternatively, many bodybuilders use intensity to refer
to the difficulty of a set or a workout, regardless of
the amount of weight used. For example, a bodybuilder may perform a high-intensity set involving
very light weight at extremely high repetitions until
muscle failure is reached. The intensity of that
set would be even higher if the spotter helped the
bodybuilder get three extra forced reps at the end
of that set. However, according to the formal definition of intensity, that set would be categorized
as low intensity. Therefore, to avoid confusion, the
term resistance will be used when referring to the
amount of weight used.
The resistance used is one of the most important variables in a training program, ranking second
only to exercise choice. The amount of resistance
used for a set is inversely related to the number
of repetitions performed. That is, the heavier
the weight, the fewer the repetitions that can be
performed. One of the most common ways that
resistance is measured is through the use of a
percentage of the repetition maximum (RM). For
example, an exercise can be prescribed at 80
percent of the individual’s 1RM.
If, for instance, the person’s 1RM on the bench
press is 300 pounds (136 kilograms), then
300 pounds ! .80 = 240 pounds
Using this method does require frequent 1RM
testing to ensure that accurate training resistance
is used. This method may be desirable for certain
strength athletes because recurrent testing is a
commonly used measure of an athlete’s progress
and a predictor of preparedness for competition.
Olympic weightlifters should use this method regularly because of the skill component required for
that type of lifting. Competitive weightlifters must
use precisely measured resistance for their training phases. Powerlifters also commonly use this
method because the defining moment in their sport
is the amount of weight they can perform at 1RM
on the bench press, squat, and deadlift. However,
many top powerlifters train with percentages that
are based on the 1RM they are predicting to lift in
competition. The down side to prescribing exercise
intensity with RM percentages is the fact that the
amount of reps you can perform at a certain percentage of 1RM can vary depending on experience,
the muscle group being trained, and the exercise
equipment used.
For bodybuilders and other fitness enthusiasts,
frequent testing of 1RM is not convenient or often
feasible. It would be too time consuming because
of the larger number of exercises they typically use.
In addition, many of the exercises they perform are
not conducive to 1RM testing. Although charts are
devised for estimating 1RM based on the number
of reps that can be completed at a certain weight,
these are far from accurate. For serious weight
trainers, an RM target zone is the easiest way
to monitor training resistance. This is depicted
as 10RM or 5RM and refers to a resistance that
limits them to that number of repetitions. As their
strength increases, they simply move to a heavier
weight but shoot for the same RM goal. This allows
them to continually stay in the repetition range
they are shooting for without the need to test their
1RM. Worth mentioning here is that many strength
Training Variables
coaches and strength training scientists suggest
that repetitions (resistance) should be kept in
a fairly small range for any given workout. They
believe that muscle can be trained for only one
goal in any acute situation. Yet bodybuilders often
train with a wide range of repetitions in a single
workout. For example, they may do one set of an
exercise with a very heavy weight for 5 to 7 reps
and follow it with another set with light weight for
reps in the 15 to 20 range.
A more recently developed method of prescribing and monitoring resistance involves the use of
the OMNI-resistance exercise scale (Robertson
et al. 2003; Robertson 2004). This is a 10-point
subjective scale (see figure 2.1) that is a modified
version of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE)
scale that was originally described by Borg (1982)
and used mostly for monitoring aerobic exercise.
Each value from 1 to 10 on the OMNI represents
approximately a 10 percent increase in repetition
maximum. For example, the use of 100 percent
of a person’s 1RM elicits a rating of 10 on the
OMNI-resistance exercise scale, while the use of
50 percent of the person’s 1RM corresponds to a
rating of 5 on the scale. The OMNI-resistance exercise scale is not a precise quantitative scale but
more a qualitative scale that determines how hard
the weight feels to the lifter. For this reason, it is
13
best used by trainers who are prescribing strength
training to inexperienced lifters.
Today, thanks to the many years of trial and
error by athletes and the numerous research
studies to confirm the original inclinations, it is
now well established that using certain resistance
intensities provides corresponding results. This
information can be used in designing a repetition
maximum continuum as seen in figure 2.2. This
figure is a modification of the continuum devised
by Fleck and Kraemer (2004) that is recognized
as the most acceptable by exercise scientists
and strength coaches. The continuum in figure
2.2 ranges in maximal repetitions from 1 to 25,
as does the original, but adds the adaptation
of muscle hypertrophy. On the lower end of the
continuum, strength gains are more pronounced,
particularly when using maximal repetitions in the
range of 1 to 6, or about 80 to 100 percent of 1RM
(O’Shea 1966; Weiss, Coney, and Clark 1999).
Enhanced muscle hypertrophy is most notable
when training with repetition maximums in the 8
to 12 range, which corresponds to about 70 to 80
percent 1RM (Kraemer, Fleck, and Evans 1996).
And muscular endurance benefits occur when repetition maximums of 12 and above, or 70 percent
of 1RM and below, are used (Stone and Coulter
1994). New evidence also suggests that these
FIGURE 2.1 OMNI-resistance exercise scale.
Reprinted from R.J. Robertson, 2004, Perceived exertion for practitioners: Rating effort with the OMNI picture system (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 49, with
permission of the author.
E6002/Stoppani/fig 2.01/496059/alw/R1-pulled
14
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
RM
Training
adaptation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Maximal
strength
Muscle
hypertrophy
Muscle endurance
and muscle hypertrophy
FIGURE 2.2 Continuum of repetition maximums.
Modified from S.J. Fleck and W.J. Kraemer, Designing resistance training programs, 3rd ed. (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 167.
resistance intensity, so too do the rest periods
higher rep ranges are also effective for muscle
E6002/Stoppani/fig
change accordingly.
hypertrophy as long as sets are taken
to muscle 2.02/496060/alw/R2-pulled
If a person is training for maximal strength
failure (Burd 2010; Burd 2011; Mitchell 2012).
or power, he or she should take long rest periThese varied muscle adaptations underscore
the importance of periodization for producing the
ods between sets. This is because lifting heavy
most desirable changes in a muscle, whether the
weight for low reps requires energy derived from
person’s goal is increasing muscle endurance or
anaerobic metabolism, called the ATP-PC (adeincreasing maximal strength. This is because each
nosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine) system.
adaptation is related to the others. For example,
This metabolic pathway provides the immediate
increasing both maximal strength and muscle
energy required for lifting heavy weight or performendurance beneficially affects muscle hypertrophy.
ing explosive movements for a short period. This
So while the person should spend the majority of
system requires more than 3 minutes of rest for
training time using the repetition range that best
the majority of recovery to occur. Therefore, the
fits his or her major goals, the periodic cycling of
recommendation is to rest at least 3 to more than
other intensities will enhance this goal.
5 minutes when training for maximal strength or
One major assumption that the continuum of
power. The general guidelines are as follows: resisrepetition maximums makes is that all repetitance at less than 5RM requires over 5 minutes of
rest, 5-7RM requires 3-5 minutes, 8-10RM requires
tions are performed at a moderate speed. Yet the
2-3 minutes, 11-13RM requires 1-2 minutes, and
speed of a rep can be increased or decreased,
over 13RM requires about 1 minute (Kraemer
particularly at light to moderate loads. And this
2003). This level of rest ensures that fatigue
change in speed will dramatically alter the muscle
will be minimal at the start of a new set, and in
adaptations. In general, fast repetition speeds
turn, strength can be near maximal. Similarly, if a
with very light weight are best for building speed
strength athlete or other athlete performs short
strength, or power, when few repetitions are perbouts of high-intensity exercise with long rest
formed. In contrast, slow to moderate repetitions
periods between, the athlete should rest at least
with a submaximal weight are better for producing
three minutes between sets.
adaptations in muscle endurance and hypertroWhen training for muscle hypertrophy (which is
phy as the time the muscle is under tension is
best attained with reps in the range of 8 to 12),
increased. As an example, using a weight that is
shorter rest periods appear to be the most benefiabout 30 to 45 percent of 1RM to do three reps
as fast as possible builds speed strength (power)
cial. Resting less than three minutes between sets
and has little effect if any on muscle hypertrophy
stresses the anaerobic energy systems, and this
or endurance.
is often recommended for bodybuilding training.
This is because fatigue is believed to play some
role in the pathways leading to muscle growth.
One possibility involves lactate, which dramatically
increases as reps increase and rest between sets
How long a weightlifter should rest between sets is
decreases.
dependent on numerous factors. These include the
For athletes interested in improving muscle
resistance being used, the goals of the lifter, and
endurance, low intensity (less than 60 percent
the metabolic pathways that need to be trained.
1RM), high repetitions of 15 and beyond, and short
The general consensus is that the lower the reps
rest periods (under one minute) seem to be the
being performed (that is, the higher the resistance
best plan. This plan allows them to train to the
intensity), the longer the rest periods that should
point of fatigue and beyond, which enhances the
be taken. And so as the periodized routine alters
REST PERIOD BETWEEN SETS
15
Training Variables
body’s ability to use lactate as an energy source
and even improves aerobic capacity to some
degree. Because fatigue is associated with muscle
hypertrophy, many bodybuilders also frequently use
this style of training.
Some styles of training use such minute rest
periods between sets that they are classified in
gym circles as using “no rest” between sets. This
means that you would take no deliberate rest but
instead immediately move to the next exercise.
Such training methods include circuit training
and the various forms of superset training, which
includes compound sets, triple sets, and giant sets
(see chapter 6 for more detailed explanations of
these methods). With each of these methods, a
certain number of sets of different exercises are
done back to back with no rest between exercise
sets. Only after you complete the prescribed
number of exercises (which can vary from 2 to as
many as 12) would you take a rest period. Then
you would repeat the cycle anywhere from one to
five times depending on the program.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
The five original acute training variables discussed
earlier were classified and organized decades ago.
As with any science, progress has been made to
further our understanding of resistance training.
Besides determining the best exercises to use,
the correct order of those exercises, the proper
resistance to use, the optimal number of sets to
do, and the right amount of rest to take between
sets, other factors are to be considered.
Another acute training variable that can be
added to the list is repetition speed, or rep tempo.
Generally speaking, typical rep speed in strength
training lasts about two to three seconds to
complete the positive (concentric) and negative
(eccentric) portions of each rep. This is considered
a controlled pace and is the pace taught by most
strength coaches and personal trainers. However,
some programs rely on the manipulation of rep
speed. Speeding up the time it takes to complete
a rep—in the range of one second or less—has
been shown to be an effective way to increase
muscle power. See Ballistic Strength Training
in chapter 9 for an explanation of how to train
with fast, explosive reps. Some strength training
experts also believe that slowing down a rep—in
the range of 10 to 20 seconds—can enhance
muscle endurance as well as size. Research in
this area is limited, but anecdotal reports are
positive. See Slow-Repetition Training in chapter
6 for an explanation of how to train using very
slow reps, and see Speed-Set Training in chapter
6 as well.
Another factor you should also be concerned
about is how frequently you train. The frequency
at which muscle groups are trained can be more
critical than any of the acute variables of training
discussed previously. The reason has to do with
recovery. It is generally accepted that you should
wait until a muscle has recovered from a previous
workout before training the muscle again. Muscle
recovery, however, is an individual thing that is
influenced by factors such as lifting experience,
intensity of the workout, and total volume. In most
instances it is best to get 2 to 7 days of rest for
each muscle group. This will be determined by
how you split your training. Training splits refer to
how you break down training days. For example, do
you train your whole body during every workout, or
do you train only one or two muscle groups each
workout? For obvious reasons, the more workouts
it takes you to train all the major muscle groups
of the body, the more rest you will take between
workouts for the same muscle group. Training
splits and training frequency are discussed in more
detail in chapters 5 and 8.
SUMMARY
The design of every workout is a critical component
of the design of the strength training program.
Regardless of your goal, you must carefully select
appropriate acute variables to optimize the adaptations that occur in every workout. In designing
the most effective training programs to reach your
goals, you must carefully consider the choice of
exercises and the order, intensity used, number of
sets performed, and rest periods between sets.
In addition to these variables, you may want to
consider the speed at which you perform your
reps. Last but not least is the frequency at which
you train muscle groups. This basic information in
this chapter will make more sense after you read
about training details in parts II, III, and IV.
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CHAPTER 3
Training Cycles
The term periodization refers to the systematic
manipulation of the acute variables of training (as
discussed in chapter 2) over a period that may
range from days to years. The original concept was
developed in the former Eastern Bloc countries in
the late 1950s to optimize athletes’ adaptations
to resistance training. More important, periodization revolves around the athlete’s competitive
calendar so that he or she is at a competitive
peak for competition.
The basis of periodization is general adaptation
syndrome (GAS), which describes three stages that
an organism—such as an athlete—goes through
when exposed to a novel stress (Selye 1936). As
a new stress is placed on the body (for example,
heavy training in the range of three to five reps),
the muscle first goes through an alarm reaction.
During this stage the athlete momentarily gets
weaker. But with continued exposure to the stress
(successive workouts), the body enters the stage
of adaptation. In this stage the body supercompensates for the stress—such as increasing muscle
strength—to better deal with the stress. If the body
is continually exposed to the same stress for too
long, it may enter the stage of exhaustion, where
its adaptation to the stress may actually decline.
This may mean that the strength gains the athlete
made during the adaptation stage will cease, and
stagnation may set in. It may even lead to an
actual decline in strength. Although this theory
is now considered a simplistic take on the body’s
response to stress, it does hold true and explains
the reason periodization is so important for proper
adaptation to strength training.
You must expose the muscle to any one training
style for just long enough to reap the benefits but
avoid a nosedive of those positive adaptations.
At this stage a new training style should be
introduced, and the cycle continues. A simplistic
take on periodization is the maxim of “everything
works, but nothing works forever.” This is a major
theme of this book and is the reason it offers so
many training methods. Having a large arsenal of
training methods (as provided in chapters 6 and
9) to use for short periods and continually cycling
them in a systematic order will prevent stagnation
and maximize training adaptations.
The three periodization schemes most commonly used by strength coaches, which are the
three most extensively researched, are classic
strength and power periodization, reverse linear
periodization, and undulating periodization.
Although there are many other more obscure
periodization schemes out there, a discussion
including these three will cover the premise
behind periodization. Regardless of the exact
plan, periodized strength training programs have
been shown through research to be significantly
more effective than nonperiodized programs for
increasing strength, power, and athletic performance in both men and women (Kraemer et al.
2003; Marx et al. 2001; Rhea and Alderman
2004; Willoughby 1993).
CLASSIC PERIODIZATION
The name implies that this system is the hallmark
periodization scheme most associated with the
term periodization. In its most general form, classic periodization divides a long-term training period
called the macrocycle (which typically involves six
months to one year but may be up to four years,
such as with Olympic athletes) into smaller phases
called mesocycles (usually lasting several weeks
to months), which are also subdivided into weekly
microcycles. The strength training progresses over
the macrocycle from low resistance (intensity)
to high intensity with total volume following the
opposite progression, from high to low. A schematic overview of the classic strength and power
periodization scheme can be seen in figure 3.1
and table 3.1.
17
18
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Volume
Major competitions
Intensity
Skill training
Hypertrophy
Strength/
power
Peaking
Active rest
FIGURE 3.1 Classic strength and power periodization scheme.
Adapted, by permission, from S.J. Fleck and W.J. Kraemer, Designing resistance training programs, 3rd ed. (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 213.
goal in a bodybuilding program, not something an
TABLE 3.1 Classic Strength and Power
E6002/Stoppani/fig 3.01/496061/alw/R1-pulled
athlete may do only for several months. In some
Periodization Model
Training
phase
Sets
Hypertrophy Strength
3-5
3-5
Reps
8-12
per set
Intensity Low
Moderate High
Volume
High
Very
high
2-6
Power
3-5
2-3
Peak- Active
ing
rest
1-3
Light
physical
activity
1-3
Very
high
Moderate Low
Adapted from M.H. Stone, H. O’Bryant, and J. Garhammer, 1981, “A hypothetical model for strength training,” Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 21(4): 342-351.
Figure 3.1 represents the most common periodization format used for increasing strength and
power. The first phase, or mesocycle, is classified
as the hypertrophy phase and is categorized as
being low intensity. Reps are around 8 to 12 and
sometimes as high as 20. It is considered very
high in volume because sets are usually in the
range of 4 to 5 for each exercise. The goal of
this phase is typically to prepare the athlete for
the high-intensity training that is to follow. The
muscle hypertrophy experienced in this phase
will enhance the gains in strength and power an
athlete will make in the later stages. Although
this is termed the hypertrophy phase, it should
not be confused with a periodized program a
bodybuilder would use. Hypertrophy is the main
periodized programs designed for athletes, the
hypertrophy phase may be preceded by what is
known as a general preparedness (GP) phase. This
is especially true if the person being trained is a
rank beginner or an athlete who is returning after
an off-season where little, if any, training took
place. This would provide a means of preparing
an athlete for the hypertrophy phase with very low
intensity and moderate- to high-volume training.
The next mesocycle is usually the strength
phase. As the name implies, the major goal during
this phase is to maximize muscle strength. This
phase is typically moderate to high in intensity
with reps in the range of two to six and the goal
to build up muscle strength. It’s somewhat high
in volume, with three or four sets performed per
exercise and fewer total exercises performed per
muscle group than during the hypertrophy phase.
Following the strength phase is the power phase.
It is similar to the strength phase in that the intensity is high (reps are in the range of two to three).
The volume is a bit lower; sets usually are about
three per exercise. The point of this phase is to
start transferring the strength gains made during
the first two phases into more explosive power
that serves well for competition.
The final two mesocycles prepare the athlete
for competition. The peaking phase follows the
power phase. It is categorized by low volume (only
one to three sets per exercise are formed) and
very high intensity (reps as low as one per set).
This phase gets the athlete ready for competition
Training Cycles
by maximizing strength and power. After this
phase, the athlete drops the strength training
and undergoes a period of active rest just before
competition. The active rest phase is categorized
by activity other than strength training such as
swimming, hiking, or sport activities like basketball
and tennis. This phase usually lasts for only about
one to two weeks before a competition to allow
the body to recover from all the strenuous training
so that it can perform at its best. After competition, this phase may actually continue for several
weeks before the periodized training scheme starts
again. For this reason, the active rest phase is
often referred to as the transition phase. Most
strength experts using the classic strength and
power periodization program will continue the
mesocycle phases for anywhere from three weeks
to three months. However, a compressed version
of this program would involve changing the phases
(hence the intensity and volume) every week. Then
the cycle repeats itself.
Although classic strength periodization
schemes can allow for adaptations in strength
training, some issues need to be considered with
these models. The first consideration is the fact
that the higher-volume training phase may lead
to fatigue if followed consecutively for too long.
This could be a problem for athletes who must
compete at various times throughout the year. The
second consideration is the fact that the muscle
hypertrophy gained during the hypertrophy phase
may not be maintained very well during the later
stages, where volume gets considerably low. This
could be a problem for bodybuilders and other
athletes who are concerned about muscle mass.
Therefore, other periodized schemes have been
developed and tested in the gym as well as in
the lab.
REVERSE LINEAR PERIODIZATION
Reverse linear periodization takes the classic
strength and power periodization scheme and
runs it backward. Whereas the goal of the classic
periodization model is to maximize an athlete’s
strength and power, the goal of the reverse linear
model is to maximize muscle hypertrophy or
endurance strength, depending on the rep range
that the program concludes with (8 to 12 for
hypertrophy and 20 to 30 for endurance strength).
Research supports the concept that the reverse
19
linear periodization scheme is more effective for
increasing endurance strength than the classic
model (Rhea et al. 2003).
In essence, the reverse linear model starts with
the power phase, where intensity is very high (two
or three reps per set) and volume is low (three
sets per exercise). The peaking phase is usually
skipped because the athlete is not preparing for
a competition in which power and strength matter.
After the athlete follows the power phase for several weeks, the strength phase starts. Again, the
strength phase uses moderate to high intensity
(two to six reps per set) and slightly higher volume
than the power phase (three or four sets per exercise). The goal of these first two phases is to build
the strength and power to optimize gains in mass
or endurance strength.
Being able to lift heavier weight for the desired
number of reps during the hypertrophy phase can
result in significant gains in muscle mass as well
as muscle endurance. The hypertrophy stage
comes last in the program and involves lower
intensity (8 to 12 reps per set) and high volume,
which is the best prescription for building muscle
mass. This stage is a good systematic approach
to gaining muscle mass, which makes it a smart
periodized plan for bodybuilders. See figure 3.2
for a sample reverse linear periodization scheme
for muscle hypertrophy.
To make the reverse linear model a better fit for
optimizing endurance strength, the power phase
can be eliminated. That means it would start with
the strength phase, then move to the hypertrophy
phase, then move to an endurance phase (where
the reps are in the range of 20 to 30), and finally
move to an active rest phase if the athlete is
training for a competition. A diagram of this model
is shown in figure 3.3. As with any periodization
scheme, the acute variables can be manipulated
within each stage to improve the result of the
program. For instance, a reverse linear model can
start with reps in the 8 to 10 range, then progress
to the range of 12 to 15, and end in the range of
20 to 30.
UNDULATING PERIODIZATION
As the name implies, undulating periodization follows a less linear scheme than does the classic
strength (power) scheme or the reverse linear periodization scheme. Undulating models are gaining
20
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Intensity
Volume
Phase
Sets
Reps/set
Intensity
Volume
Power
3
2-3
Very high
Low
Strength
3-4
2-6
High
Moderate
Hypertrophy
3-6
8-12
Low
High
FIGURE 3.2 Reverse linear periodization scheme for hypertrophy.
E6002/Stoppani/fig 3.02/496062/alw/R1-pulled
Intensity
Volume
Phase
Sets
Reps/set
Intensity
Volume
Strength
3-4
2-6
High
Moderate
Hypertrophy
3-6
8-12
Low
High
Endurance
3-6
15-30
Very low
Very high
FIGURE 3.3 Reverse linear periodization scheme for endurance strength.
E6002/Stoppani/fig
3.03/496063/alw/R1-pulled
lower body on Tuesdays and Fridays, he or she
in popularity in strength rooms because
of their
might then do hypertrophy workouts on Monday
convenience and effectiveness.
and Tuesday and strength workouts on Thursday
Undulating periodization schemes typically
and Friday. The following week the lifter might train
follow a 14-day mesocycle with three or four difwith endurance workouts on Monday and Tuesday
ferent workouts to stagger (see table 3.2). This
and strength workouts on Thursday and Friday.
way, instead of sticking with one training phase for
After the two-week mesocycle the lifter could
several weeks or more, the lifter can change intensity and volume from one workout to another. For
example, if the lifter were following a whole-body
TABLE 3.2 Undulating Workouts
training split, he or she might perform the strength
Rest
workout on Monday, the endurance strength workbetween
out on Wednesday, and the hypertrophy workout
Type of workout
Sets Reps
sets
on Friday. The following week the lifter may train
Strength workout
3-5
2-4
4-5 min
the endurance strength workout on Monday, the
Hypertrophy workout
3-4
8-12
2-3 min
hypertrophy workout on Wednesday, and the
Endurance
strength
3-4
15-30
1-2 min
strength workout on Friday. If the lifter trained the
workout
upper body on Mondays and Thursdays and the
21
Training Cycles
switch back to a different workout and perform
the mesocycle over again, or the lifter can take a
week off (especially if a competition is scheduled)
and then return to the 14-day mesocycle.
One of the great things about undulating
periodization is that it requires less organization
and planning than linear periodized programs
require. For instance, if a person felt tired or
sick (or conversely, the person felt exceptionally
motivated and strong one day), the workout could
be changed for that day to better suit mood and
physical health. Or if scheduling was a problem
and the lifter was short on time one day, he or
she could switch to a workout with lower volume.
Although it seems that such a training system
that requires little planning would be less effective than a program that is scheduled months
in advance, research has found that undulating
periodized programs are just as effective as
linear periodized models for the development of
strength, power, and muscle mass (Marx et al.
2001; Kraemer et al. 2000) and are more effective than nonperiodized programs. One study by
Rhea, Ball, Phillips, and Burkett (2002) found
that undulating periodized training was more
effective for developing strength compared to a
linear periodized plan.
In actuality, the sporadic nature of the undulating program works as a default for building
muscle, strength, and power. That’s because periodization is based on the fact that a physiological
system makes adaptations to a stress that it is
exposed to. Yet if the system is exposed to the
stress for too long, the adaptations will plateau
and even reverse to some degree. Given that,
the undulating periodized scheme allows the
stress (strength training) to be encountered for
very short periods before it is changed and then
cycled back in. In this model, the different types
of strength training (heavy, light, fast, or whatever) are cycled repeatedly from day to day. So
it helps to keep the muscle from getting used to
the stimulus, yet it exposes it frequently enough
to cause progressive adaptations.
MICROCYCLES
With the classic linear periodization model and
the reverse linear periodization model, sticking
with the same rep range for a full mesocycle,
which can last many weeks, can have some
drawbacks. Some athletes get bored using the
same rep ranges for several weeks. Another
issue discussed earlier is the fact that some of
the adaptations made in a previous mesocycle
may be lost in a later mesocycle. For example,
gains in muscle size made during the hypertrophy
phase may be lost during the strength and power
phases where repetitions performed each set
rarely exceed 6.
Undulating periodization is one way to remedy
the issues of the mesocycles. However, using
a linear model, whether it is the classic linear
scheme or the reverse linear scheme, has merit.
Microcycles may be an even more effective way of
using linearly periodized training schemes.
The term microcycle refers to weekly changes
in the weight used and reps performed. For example, if following the classic linear model, week 1
might be a muscle endurance microcycle with
reps of 12 to 15. Week 2 might be the hypertrophy microcycle with reps of 8 to 12. Week 3
continues increasing the weight and decreasing
the reps for the strength microcycle with reps
of 4 to 6. Then in week 4, which could be the
power microcycle, reps drop again to just 2 or
3 per set. After week 4, the cycle repeats itself
with week 5 returning to the muscle endurance
microcycle. These microcycles can keep repeating
in this order until the athlete is ready for competition, or for a noncompetitive strength trainer,
the program is over after 12 weeks or so. See
table 3.3 for a sample linear scheme that uses
microcycles. This is very similar to the Shortcut to
Size (Micromuscle) program that has gained great
popularity online due to the extraordinary gains in
muscle size and strength that are possible with
this 12-week program. For more details on this
program, see chapter 7.
TABLE 3.3 Microcycle Scheme*
Week/Microcycle
1: Muscle Endurance
2: Hypertrophy
3: Strength
4: Power
Weight
Light
Moderate
Moderateheavy
Heavy
Rep range
12-15
8-12
4-6
2-3
* This table shows the weight and rep range changes that occur
each week/microcycle when using a linear scheme with microcycles.
22
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
COMBINING PERIODIZED
SCHEMES
There is no rule that states that you have to pick
one and only one form of periodization and follow
it until the end of the program. A great way to
increase muscle size and strength is to use programs that combine periodization models.
A good example of this is pendulum training.
In pendulum training, you start off using a classic
linear periodization model usually with microcycles.
Therefore, you might start with reps in the range of
8 to 12 in week 1. Then in week 2, reps drop to 6 to
8. In week 3, reps drop again to 3 to 5. In week 4,
the order switches to a reverse linear periodization
model with reps going back up to the 6-to-8 range
and then in week 5 to the 8-to-12 range. Then
in week 6 it is back to a linear progression with
reps dropping to 6 to 8 reps. The program would
continue swinging back and forth like this similar
to a pendulum—hence the name. See table 3.4
for a sample pendulum scheme.
Another way to combine periodization models
is to use both linear and reverse linear models
simultaneously. This works well with a program
that trains each muscle group twice per week. For
example, with a program that uses a two-day split
with chest, back, and shoulders trained in workouts
1 and 3 and legs and arms trained in workouts 2
TABLE 3.4 Pendulum Scheme*
Week/Microcycle
1: Hypertrophy
2: Strength
3: Power
4: Strength
5: Hypertrophy
6: Strength
7: Power
Weight
Moderate
Moderate-heavy
Heavy
Moderate-heavy
Moderate
Moderate-heavy
Heavy
Rep range
8-12
6-8
3-5
6-8
8-12
6-8
3-5
* This table shows the weight and rep range changes that occur
each week/microcycle when using a pendulum scheme.
and 4, workouts 1 and 2 could follow a linear order
using a microcycle system of increasing weight and
decreasing reps with each week. Weeks 3 and 4
could follow a reverse linear order using a microcycle system in which the weight decreases and
the reps increase each week. See table 3.5 for an
example of this scheme. What’s interesting when
you consider the order of the rep ranges with two
separate rep ranges being used each week is that
the scheme is similar to an undulating periodization model. Here workouts 1 and 2 progress from
9 to 11 reps in week 1, to 6 to 8 reps in week 2,
and to 3 to 5 reps in week 3. Workouts 3 and 4
start at 12 to 15 reps in week 1, then jump to 16
to 20 reps in week 2, and finally go to 21 to 30
reps in week 3. But when you consider the order
TABLE 3.5 Combined Linear and Reverse Linear Scheme
Multijoint
Linear periodization
Increase weight/decrease reps
Microcycle Monday:
Tuesday:
1/4
Chest
Shoulders
Triceps
Legs
Abs
Abs
9 to 11 reps per set
Tuesday:
Microcycle Monday:
Chest
Shoulders
2/5
Triceps
Legs
Abs
Abs
6 to 8 reps per set
Tuesday:
Microcycle Monday:
Chest
Shoulders
3/6
Triceps
Legs
Abs
Abs
3 to 5 reps per set
Single joint
Reverse linear periodization
Increase reps/decrease weights
Wednesday: Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Back
Chest
Shoulders
Back
Traps
Triceps
Legs
Traps
Biceps
Abs
Abs
Biceps
12 to 15 reps per set
Wednesday: Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Back
Chest
Shoulders
Back
Traps
Triceps
Legs
Traps
Biceps
Abs
Abs
Biceps
16 to 20 reps per set
Wednesday: Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Back
Chest
Shoulders
Back
Traps
Triceps
Legs
Traps
Biceps
Abs
Abs
Biceps
21 to 30 reps per set
Sunday:
Off
Sunday:
Off
Sunday:
Off
Adapted from J. Stoppani, 2013, Jim Stoppani’s six-week shortcut to shred. [Online]. Available: www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jim-stoppani-six-week-shortcut-toshred.html [September 4, 2014].
23
Training Cycles
from workouts 1 and 2 to workouts 3 and 4 each
week, the reps actually go in this order: 9 to 11,
12 to 15, 6 to 8, 16 to 20, 3 to 5, 21 to 30. It is
actually an undulating order. This is very similar
to my Shortcut to Shred (1-2-3 Lean) program
that has gained a lot of popularity online because
it allows trainees to build significant strength
and size despite the fact that they are drastically
reducing body fat. See chapter 13 for more details
on this program.
TYPES OF TRAINING CYCLES
Periodization is a term used by strength coaches,
experts, and athletes who have been educated
on the matter. Rarely will you hear the term used
in the gym by bodybuilders or powerlifters. These
athletes refer to the concept of periodization as
cycling. It may sound cooler, but cycling is just a
simpler term for periodization. Although the minor
details of cycling for powerlifters and bodybuilders
are slightly different from the three periodized
schemes discussed previously, they rely on the
same premise: Change is good.
Powerlifters use several types of cycles to
prepare for a competition. A multitude of these
are presented in chapters 9 and 10. The most
common cycle uses a gradual increase in the
amount of weight used over time. Usually this
starts out as low as 50 percent of the lifter’s 1RM
and progresses up to 100 percent of the 1RM
weight for that lift over a 6- to 12-week period. See
table 3.6 for a sample 11-week powerlifting cycle.
TABLE 3.6 Strong Cycle
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11**
% 1RM
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
85%
90%
95%
95%
100%*
–
*Based on previous max.
**Active rest.
Reps
5
5
5
5
5
3
3
3
2
2
–
Sets
5
5
5
5
5
3
3
3
2
2
–
Bodybuilders also use numerous cycling strategies. In fact, an unlimited number of bodybuilding cycles could be used. These are covered in
chapters 6 and 7. The most common ones used
are similar to the reverse linear periodization
scheme (table 3.7) and the undulating periodization scheme (table 3.8). Although these athletes
mix up their training frequently, the focus tends to
stay on reps in the moderate to high range (8 to
20). Occasionally, these athletes train with heavy
weight and low reps, but these phases are short
and infrequent.
TABLE 3.7 Linear Muscle
Weeks
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
Reps
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
Sets (per
exercise)
3
3
3
3
Rest
between sets
3-4 min
2-3 min
1-2 min
<1 min
TABLE 3.8 Undulating Muscle
WEEK 1
Sets
Rest
Day and muscle
(per
between
groups
Reps exercise)
sets
Monday (chest,
8-10
3
2-3 min
shoulders, triceps)
Tuesday (back, biceps) 12-15
3
<1 min
Wednesday (legs)
6-8
3
3-4 min
Thursday (chest,
12-15
3
<1 min
shoulders, triceps)
Friday (back, biceps)
6-8
3
3-4 min
Saturday (legs)
10-12
3
1-2 min
WEEK 2
Sets
Rest
Day and muscle
(per
between
groups
Reps exercise)
sets
Monday (chest,
6-8
3
3-4 min
shoulders, triceps)
Tuesday (back, biceps) 10-12
3
1-2 min
Wednesday (legs)
8-10
3
3 min
Thursday (chest,
10-12
3
1-2 min
shoulders, triceps)
Friday (back, biceps)
8-10
3
3 min
Saturday (legs)
12-15
3
<1 min
24
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
SUMMARY
Regardless of whether the goal is to increase
power and strength or muscle growth, periodization (or cycling) is a necessary method for making
continual progress. Only by cycling the training
phases is it possible to keep the muscles adapting
and prevent them from stagnating. Fortunately,
numerous periodization methods can be employed.
These include classic linear periodized schemes,
reverse linear schemes, and undulating schemes.
So while any one periodization scheme will provide
sufficient variability in the training program, using
different periodization schemes promotes training
variability and progress. Over time you should try
them all to decide what scheme works best for
you. From there, you can choose to use that cycle
as your primary scheme or frequently change
up your cycles as you should for acute variables
of training. You can even combine periodized
schemes into one training program, such as with
pendulum training.
CHAPTER 4
Strength Training Equipment
There is an abundance of equipment that you
can use for the purpose of strength training.
Although some of these pieces of equipment are
more complicated or sophisticated than others,
all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Regardless of how simple or innovative, most
strength training devices fall into one of three
categories: those that provide constant resistance throughout the range of motion, those that
provide variable resistance (whether controlled or
not) throughout the range of motion, and those
that provide a constant speed throughout the
entire range of motion. In addition, some novel
pieces of strength training equipment do not fit
into the standard categories, such as vibration.
This chapter covers the more common forms of
strength training equipment as well as some that
are not so common.
SIMPLE RESISTANCE
The first category of strength training equipment
provides constant resistance throughout the
entire range of motion. This is the simplest form
of resistance and is composed of little more than
objects that provide weight. The mass of the
object, whether it be a dumbbell or a weight stack,
provides resistance through gravity. Any time you
attempt to pick up a free object, you are fighting
the force of gravity, which pulls the object to the
ground. The type of contraction that the muscle
goes through when lifting a free object is termed
isotonic. It literally means same tone or tension,
because the weight stays the same while you lift
it. If the object is too heavy to move, the type of
contraction the muscle goes through is isometric.
Because the mass of any object can be used in
this manner, this category of strength training
equipment is the largest and is composed of the
widest range of equipment.
Free Weights
The term free weights refers to equipment moved
in the performance of an exercise, which is simply
raised and lowered as a complete unit. It is called
free weight because the weight is free to move in
any direction and in any manner. Technically, any
object can be considered free weight; however, the
term usually refers to the weight plates and barbell
or dumbbell systems and related items found in
home and commercial gyms.
barbell—The bar that weight plates are loaded
onto for purposes of strength training. Barbells
normally measure between five and seven feet
in length, depending on the type of barbell. There
are several different types of barbells:
Olympic barbell—A special type of barbell used in
Olympic weightlifting and in powerlifting competitions as well as in gyms (see figure 4.1). These
bars weigh 20 kilograms (just under 45 pounds)
and are seven feet in length. The ends of the
bar are two inches (five centimeters) in diameter to fit Olympic weight plates, and the handle
section where you grab the bar is one inch (two
and a half centimeters) in diameter. Parts of the
handle section are knurled for better gripping.
Some gyms have shorter versions of these bars.
FIGURE 4.1 Standard bar and plates (left) contrasted with
Olympic bar and plates (right).
25
26
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
standard barbell—Similar to Olympic barbells
in that the gripping portion is usually one inch
in diameter and knurled in sections. However,
these barbells have ends that are one inch in
diameter to fit standard weight plates.
fixed barbell—A barbell with a predetermined
weight (see figure 4.2).
fat bar—A special barbell or dumbbell that is larger
in diameter on the gripping portion of the bar
than the conventional bars that are one inch in
diameter. Fat bars usually come in two-inch and
sometimes three-inch (five- or eight-centimeter)
diameters. Training with fat bars allows users to
develop greater grip strength than they would by
using a standard one-inch bar. However, research
has shown that using fat bars on pulling exercises, such as deadlifts, rows and curls can limit
the weight used on those exercises, which could
interfere with strength and muscle hypertrophy
gains of the target muscle.
safety squat bar—A bar that resembles a barbell
with two short padded bars (about 12 inches,
or 30 centimeters) that run perpendicular to the
bar from the middle. These padded bars rest on
the shoulders and allow the user to grab them
as a handle while squatting (see figure 4.4).
FIGURE 4.2 Fixed barbells on a rack.
EZ curl bar—A special type of barbell that is
bent at several points so that it looks like a
stretched-out W (see figure 4.3). This allows
the user to have a grip that is somewhere
between a fully supinated grip (underhand grip)
and a neutral grip. The purpose of this is to
take stress off the wrists as well as place more
stress on the long head of the biceps (outer
biceps). An EZ curl bar is occasionally called
a cambered curling bar.
FIGURE 4.4 Squatting with a safety squat bar.
trap bar—A weight bar with a diamond-shaped or
hexagon section in the middle. During the exercise, the lifter stands inside the diamond and
grips the transverse handholds on either side
of the diamond. This type of bar is sometimes
called a hex bar, due to its shape, and is typically
used for shrugs and deadlifts (see figure 4.5).
FIGURE 4.3 Curls with an EZ curl bar.
FIGURE 4.5 Trap bar.
Strength Training Equipment
27
weight plates—The round steel plates that add
weight to barbells and plate-loaded weight
machines. There are generally two types of weight
plates, but regardless of the type of weight plate,
these are commonly available in weights of 1.25,
2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35, 45, and even 100 pounds:
Olympic weight plates—These plates have center
holes that are 2-1/8 inches (about 5.4 centimeters) in diameter to fit on Olympic barbells.
standard weight plates—These plates have
center holes that are about 1-1/8 inches (about
3 centimeters) in diameter to fit on a 1-inch
standard bar.
bumper plates—An Olympic weight plate with
a rubber outer rim and/or coating to reduce
damage to the floor and the weight plate in
the event that it is dropped. These are most
commonly used in Olympic weightlifting where
very heavy weights are lifted overhead and
then dropped.
collar—The clamp used to hold plates securely
in place on a barbell or adjustable dumbbell.
The collars used in powerlifting and Olympic
weightlifting weigh 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms).
dumbbell—A short-handled barbell intended primarily for use with one hand. It is usually about
8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) in total
length; the knurled gripping portion is about 6
inches (15 centimeters) on most dumbbells.
Some dumbbells are solid steel with round or
hexagon ends, while others use weight plates
and can be adjusted to different weights.
FIGURE 4.6 Throwing a medicine ball.
in 5- or 10-pound increments. They can be used
for a variety of exercises but are mainly used
for performing swings, snatches, and cleans.
head harness—A leather or nylon head strap that
has a chain attached from one side to the other.
Weight plates are added to the chain and the
device is worn on the head to provide resistance
for neck-strengthening exercises (see figure 4.7).
Specialty Free-Weight Objects
Some free-weight objects don’t fall under the typical category of dumbbell or barbell. These unique
objects provide weight for many conventional and
unconventional exercises.
FIGURE 4.7 Neck extensions with a head harness.
medicine ball—A weighted leather or rubber ball
that varies in size from that of a volleyball to
a basketball, depending on the weight (2 to
30 pounds, or 0.9 to 14 kilograms). Medicine
balls can be used for throwing exercises or
to simulate most typical exercises done with
barbells or dumbbells (see figure 4.6).
weighted belt—This equipment resembles a
short weight belt that fits around the small of
the back along with a long chain that runs from
one side of the belt to the other. Weight plates
are added to the chain and supported around
the waist for adding resistance during bodyweight exercises such as dips and pull-ups.
kettlebell—This cast-iron free weight resembles a
cannonball with a solid handle welded to it. Kettlebells come in weights as low as 15 pounds to
as high as 50 (about 7 to 23 kilograms), usually
weight vest—This device is simply a nylon vest
with pockets that hold 1- to 2-pound weights.
Total weight usually adjusts between 2 and 40
pounds (0.9 to 18 kilograms), although a few
28
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
extreme vests go up to 80 pounds or more.
This is often used to increase the weight on
body-weight exercises such as push-ups as well
as bounding and running exercises.
sand bags—These devices are typically made of
canvas, leather or neoprene and are filled with
sand or steel bee bees. This creates a weighted
device that changes the distribution of the
weight depending on how you hold it and move it.
wrist roller—This device is simply composed of
a short steel or wooden handle with a three- to
four-foot (91- to 122-centimeter) rope attached
to it (see figure 4.8). On the other end of the
rope weights are attached. To train the forearm
flexors, a lifter would roll the handle with a
forward motion to lift the weight from the floor
until the rope is completely wrapped around
the handle. To train the forearm extensors, the
lifter would roll the handle in a reverse motion.
FIGURE 4.9 Barbell curls with an arm blaster.
FIGURE 4.10 Using a land mine to perform a dead land mine.
Free-Weight Accessories
Besides the resistance component of strength
training with free-weight objects, many exercises
require the use of various benches and racks to
support the lifter and the free weight.
FIGURE 4.8 Wrist curls with a wrist roller.
arm blaster—This aluminum device is used to
prevent movement of the upper arms when
doing biceps curls. It has straps that suspend it
from the shoulders so that it sits firmly against
the waist allowing the backs of the arms to
press against the arm blaster while the lifter
performs curls (see figure 4.9).
land mine—This device is a weighted plate (many
look like home plate on a baseball diamond)
that holds a sleeve that fits the end of a barbell. The sleeve is connected to the base with
a number of free moving joints that allow the
barbell to be rotated from the free end to work
the core muscles, as well as the lower body and
upper body muscles (see figure 4.10).
weight benches—Various benches are used along
with free weights and are specifically designed for
certain barbell exercises. These weight benches
have supports for barbells to allow the lifter to
easily rack the barbell at the end of the set.
Following are some types of benches:
bench-press bench—A horizontal bench with
vertical barbell supports.
incline bench-press bench—A bench that is
angled up at about 35 to 45 degrees from the
floor so that when a lifter sits on it the head
is higher than the hips. The bench is welded
to a steel structure that has vertical barbell
supports and a step platform for a spotter
to watch over the lifter performing the incline
bench press exercise.
29
Strength Training Equipment
about five feet (one and a half meters) long,
five feet wide, and seven feet (two meters) tall.
The vertical beams have holes drilled into them
every one to two inches from top to bottom. The
holes allow the barbell hooks to be adjusted
to different heights. The holes also fit safety
bars that can be used to catch the barbell if
the lifter fails to lift the weight. Power racks are
typically used for squats, shrugs, and presses
(see figure 4.11a).
decline bench-press bench—A bench that angles
down about 30 to 40 degrees so that the head
is lower than the feet. There are barbell supports for doing decline barbell bench presses.
shoulder press bench—A bench that has a
padded seat and vertical seat back so that
when the lifter sits on it the torso is vertical,
as it should be when doing the barbell shoulder
press exercise. The bench is welded to a steel
structure that has vertical barbell supports that
sit behind the lifter’s head so that he or she
can easily grab the bar at the start of the set
and can rack it without stressing the shoulder
joint at the end of the set.
squat rack—A steel structure that has barbell-support hooks at different heights so that
lifters of various statures can easily unrack
the barbell to perform the squat or other
standing exercises. Some squat racks have
two horizontal beams that are about three
feet (91 centimeters) high and run parallel
to each other off the front of the squat rack.
These beams act as a safety rack so that if
a lifter fails to complete a squat, he or she
can rack the weight on the safety beam (see
figure 4.11b).
preacher bench—A bench that has a seat and
a padded armrest that is angled at about 45
degrees to the floor and set in front of the
lifter. In front of the armrest is a barbell support. The lifter sits on the seat with the upper
arms supported on the armrest and performs
biceps curls.
free-standing benches—Some benches do not
have barbell supports because they are used
mainly with dumbbells. These benches consist
of just the padded bench and leg supports and
include the following:
flat bench—A fixed horizontal bench that is used
for seated or lying exercises that are performed
prone or supine.
adjustable-incline bench—A bench that allows
the angle of the surface to be adjusted from
horizontal to vertical with various points in
between.
adjustable-decline bench—A bench that angles
down at varying degrees so that the head is
lower than the feet. This is often used for chest
and abdominal exercises.
low-back bench—A bench that has a short
horizontal seat and a low vertical back pad
to support the back during exercises such as
overhead presses and triceps extensions.
weight rack—A rack that supports a barbell to
allow the lifter to grab it from a variety of positions. The following are some types of weight
racks:
power rack—The most versatile rack is this
safety apparatus that is made of four vertical
steel beams to create a cage that is usually
a
b
FIGURE 4.11 (a) Squatting in a power rack contrasted with
(b) squatting in a squat rack.
stability objects—A multitude of objects can provide unstable support. Unlike a bench, which has
a stable foundation to support the lifter’s body
weight, stability objects are unstable objects that
make an exercise more difficult to perform. This
helps to develop the strength of the core and
stabilizer muscles.
exercise ball—Also known as a stability ball.
These inflatable balls come in several sizes
(30 to 85 centimeters in diameter). They offer a
platform that rolls and gives when a person sits
or lies on it, making seated or lying exercises
with dumbbells or barbells much more difficult
30
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
to perform (see figure 4.12). These can also
be used with body-weight exercises such as
crunches and push-ups.
FIGURE 4.15 Balance board.
Common Objects
FIGURE 4.12 Dumbbell presses on an exercise ball.
BOSU balance trainer—This object resembles the
top half of a large exercise ball with a solid and
stable base. It offers most of the benefits of an
exercise ball without the rolling, which makes
it ideal for building core strength with standing
exercises (see figure 4.13).
FIGURE 4.13 BOSU balance trainer.
stability disc—Small (about 12 to 14 inches in
diameter and 2 to 3 inches in height) pancakelike disc made of pliable plastic that a person
can stand on or sit on while doing strength
exercises (see figure 4.14).
FIGURE 4.14 Stability disc.
balance board—A wooden base that has a
rounded bottom to provide wobbling when
stood on. These are sometimes used for
performing standing strength exercises (see
figure 4.15).
Long before dumbbells and barbells were available,
athletes and others needing to enhance their strength
and fitness used a variety of common objects that
served as free weight, such as stones and sacks
of sand. Today, although balanced barbells and
dumbbells are available, some people use common
objects (such as food cans or gallon milk jugs) when
they don’t have access to standard free-weight implements or choose to lift awkward and unbalanced
objects (such as stones and beer kegs) to develop
more functional strength. Obviously, any object with
mass can be used as a strength training tool—a can
of soup, a bucket of water, or a cement cylinder block.
Rocks, logs, and tires are common implements to
be lifted in strongman competitions. The disadvantage to lifting common objects is the awkwardness.
Without a clear handle to grab and without an even
balance of weight, lifting common objects requires
more functional ability than free weights require. But
lifting such awkward implements helps to develop
core strength and functional strength.
strongman implements—Strongmen are required
to lift a number of awkward objects during competition. Most events combine strength and
muscle endurance by requiring the competitors
to outdo each other by lifting such objects for
the most repetitions or carrying them the most
quickly over a certain distance. Some common
strongmen implements include the following:
Atlas stone—Atlas stones are large, heavy balls
made of granite or concrete that strongmen
must lift and carry in competition. Sizes range
from 14 inches to more than 60 inches (36
to 152 centimeters) in diameter and weights
range from about 140 pounds to well over 300
pounds (64 to 136 kilograms). Competitors
typically must lift progressively heavier Atlas
stones from the ground and load them onto progressively higher pedestals (up to 60 inches).
The competitor who completes the task in the
least amount of time wins.
Strength Training Equipment
logs—These awkward objects are common to strongman competitions. The modified ones found in
competitions have handles carved into them for
easier gripping when lifting. These can range in
weight from about 200 to well over 300 pounds
(91 to 136 kilograms). The winner is the competitor who lifts the heaviest log from the ground to
overhead. Aluminum logs are available that have
Olympic barbell ends to allow Olympic weight plates
to be added for training with different weights.
tractor tires—These can range in weight from
about 500 pounds to more than 900 pounds
(227 to 408 kilograms), depending on the size.
In strongman competitions the competitor who
flips the tire the fastest over a predetermined
distance is the winner.
training adjuncts—Some common objects are
used for enhancing strength in the gym or on the
playing field. The unique mass characteristics
of the object (unbalanced weight or progressive
weight) offer benefits that free weights don’t.
Such implements include the following:
chains—Steel chains can be attached to an Olympic bar to provide progressive resistance during
barbell exercises such as the bench press or
squat. The unique thing about chains is that as
each link lifts off the ground, the weight being
lifted increases, offering linear variable resistance
throughout the range of motion. This type of resistance provides greater resistance the further you
move through the range of motion of an exercise.
beer keg—An empty beer keg weighs approximately 30 pounds (14 kilograms). The handles
on a beer keg make it easy to grip, but the
rotund shape makes it awkward to lift and control. Some strength coaches have their football,
basketball, baseball, and hockey players as well
as other athletes lift kegs as a way to develop
more functional strength.
everyday objects—Objects that are found in most
homes can be used in place of free weights
when free weights are unavailable for standard
strength training exercises. Some objects commonly used include the following:
soup cans—These can range in weight from 10
ounces to a little over 1 pound (.28 to .45 kilogram). Similar to dumbbells, soup cans can be
held in the hands for almost any exercise that
would normally be performed with dumbbells.
Because of the limit in weight available, cans
are best suited for people with poor strength
31
or for those performing workouts that have very
high reps.
gallon jugs—Plastic gallon jugs weigh about 8
pounds (4 kilograms) when filled with fluid or 14
pounds (6 kilograms) when filled with sand. The
handles allow them to be gripped in a fashion
similar to that of dumbbells (although they’re
more awkward to lift). The weight can be adjusted
by altering the amount of fluid or sand in the jugs.
Human Body
Your own body weight or that of a training partner
can be used as a form of resistance.
own body weight—Exercises such as pushups, chin-ups, dips, body-weight squats, and
crunches use pure body weight, nothing else,
to get the job done (see figure 4.16).
FIGURE 4.16 Dips.
partner body weight—When training with a partner,
you can do a variety of exercises that use the
partner’s body weight as resistance. For example, rows, bench presses, and squats can all be
done with the weight of a training partner (see
figure 4.17).
FIGURE 4.17 Body rows.
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
body-weight exercise accessories—Certain equipment has been designed for use with exercises
that primarily rely on one’s body weight:
chin-up bar—A chin-up bar is simply a horizontal
bar that is mounted to its own stand, wall, ceiling, doorway, or other exercise apparatus (such
as a power rack or cable crossover).
dip bars—Parallel bars set high enough above
the floor to allow dips to be performed between
them. They can also be used for leg raises for
the abdominals and for a variety of other exercises. Some dipping bars are angled inward at
one end so that the distance between the two
bars is different. This allows you to perform
dips with varying grip width.
Suspension trainer—The TRX is responsible for
making suspension training popular. But long
before TRX, chains or ropes with handles were
used. Today there are numerous other suspension trainer brands that have followed in the
footsteps of TRX. Suspension training involves
straps, often made of canvas or nylon that suspend part of the body (usually from the arms or
feet) to allow the person’s own body to provide
resistance. For example, you can do inverted
rows using a suspension trainer to work the lats
(see figure 4.19).
vertical bench—This device is composed of a
long, vertical, padded bench that is attached
to a metal platform that has handles and armrests. The lifter suspends the body by supporting the weight with the forearms and pressing
the back against the pad. This bench is used for
leg raises (see figure 4.18) and is sometimes
referred to as a captain’s chair. Some vertical
benches have dip bars extended off the front.
FIGURE 4.19 Inverted rows on a TRX.
Simple Weight Machines
Simple weight machines are those machines and
apparatuses that provide a constant level of resistance throughout the entire range of motion. These
devices include linear guided machines and cable
pulley machines. They contain a weight that must
be moved. The lifter directly moves the weight along
its guide rods or through a cable pulley system.
Linear Guided Machines
FIGURE 4.18 Knee raises on a vertical bench.
back extension bench—A high, short, padded
bench that has leg pads set at the same height
as the bench. This allows the lifter to lie prone
with the pelvis resting on the padded bench
and the feet secured under the leg pads while
doing back extensions.
Linear guided machines consist of an apparatus
that rides on two guide rods. This limits the movement to a linear, or straight, movement. These
types of machines usually require the addition of
weight plates for added resistance.
Smith machine—A type of machine that consists
of a barbell that rides along two vertical rods
that serve as guides. The bars permit the
barbell to move only in a vertical direction,
but they have safety catches at several points
from the bottom of the machine to the top to
Strength Training Equipment
allow the user to start or stop the exercise at
any point. This machine is typically used just
for exercises that require vertical pushing or
pulling, such as the squat, bench press, and
row (see figure 4.20).
33
50 to 80 degrees. The lifter stands in the hack
squat with the back against the padded sled
and the shoulders under the shoulder pads.
After disengaging the safety bars, the lifter
squats down and back up, allowing the sled
to follow.
Cable Pulley Machines
FIGURE 4.20 Incline bench press on a Smith machine.
leg press—This machine consists of a sled that
rides along two rods that are angled at approximately 45 degrees. There is a seat for a lifter
to sit in while placing the feet on the sled (see
figure 4.21). After the lifter disengages the
safety bar, the sled is free to move up and down
the linear guide rod. However, the natural arc of
motion of the legs in that position is curvilinear
(a combination of a curve and a straight line).
This has prompted some manufacturers of
weight machines to design leg press machines
that follow a curvilinear path. This more natural
motion places less stress on the knees.
Cable pulley machines refer to exercise machines
that are based on a simple system of cables and
pulleys. In their most basic form they consist of a
cable that routes through a pulley (or several pulleys) and connects to a weight stack. A pulley is a
freely rotating wheel used to change the direction
of force applied by a cable. This allows for force to
be applied to a muscle in a variety of directions,
such as horizontal. A weight stack is a stack of
specialized weight plates (usually rectangular in
shape and weighing 5 to 20 pounds each) that
are fixed so that they can slide vertically on the
guide rods of a weight machine. Each weight plate
is drilled with a horizontal hole that allows a pin
to be placed through the plate. This weight and all
those above it may then be lifted by the moveable
rod, which is typically attached to a cable or lever
arm. When tension is placed on the cable (that
is, the cable is pulled), the weight stack is lifted
along its guide rods, thereby supplying resistance.
Some home machines, such as Bowflex, use flexible rods for resistance instead of a weight stack.
Cables offer a number of benefits to weightlifters.
Because the cable can be pulled in a number
of directions, it offers constant tension on the
muscle throughout the entire range of motion
(see figure 4.22).
FIGURE 4.21 The leg press.
hack squat—This machine for leg exercises is
similar to the leg press except that the lifter
stands rather than sits. A padded sled rides
along two guide rods that are angled at about
FIGURE 4.22 The cable crossover.
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
cable attachments—A handle must be attached to
the end of the cable in order for a cable machine
to be used. A variety of cable attachments are
used for a variety of exercises:
carabiner—This clip mechanism allows for easy
attachment of bars to the cable (see figure
4.23).
FIGURE 4.25 Short straight bar (top) and EZ bar (bottom)
attachments.
low row bar—This attachment has two short parallel handles connected to two triangle-shaped
bars (see figure 4.26). It is used primarily for
cable rows and close-grip pulldowns.
FIGURE 4.23 A carabiner that can be attached to a cable.
lat bar—Primarily used when training the latissimus dorsi and other back muscles on the
pulldown machine. The most common lat bar
is a long shaft that bends down on both sides
(see figure 4.24).
parallel-arm lat bar—This bar has handles on
the end that are perpendicular to the bar and
allow a neutral grip to be maintained during
pulldowns and cable rows (see figure 4.24).
FIGURE 4.24 Lat bar (top) and parallel-arm lat bar (bottom).
FIGURE 4.26 Low row bar.
long multiple-use V-bar—This bar looks like an
upside-down V, with long handles for gripping
projecting out to the sides. Because of its
design, this bar may relieve some of the load
on the wrists during heavy triceps pressdowns.
Rows and pulldowns are other exercises that
can be performed with the V-bar.
single-handle D-grip—This handle looks like a
stirrup with a swiveling handle to grasp (see
figure 4.27). It is designed for unilateral cable
exercises such as lateral raises, rows, curls,
and triceps pressdowns.
EZ bar—The EZ bar attachment is shaped
similar to the EZ curl bar: a stretched-out W
(see figure 4.25). Most have a rotating sleeve
that allows the bar to swivel to reduce the
stress placed on the wrists. This bar is typically used for cable biceps curls and triceps
pressdowns.
short straight bar—This bar attachment is similar
to an Olympic bar in shape but is much shorter
in length (about 20 inches or 51 centimeters).
Most have a rotating sleeve. This bar can be
used for a variety of exercises, including triceps
pressdowns, curls, reverse curls, and upright
rows (see figure 4.25).
FIGURE 4.27 Single-handle D-grip.
pressdown bar—This bar looks like an inverted
V or U and is used primarily for triceps pressdowns.
Strength Training Equipment
rope—As the name implies, this attachment is
literally a thick rope with a metal sleeve where
it attaches to the cable (see figure 4.28). This
attachment can be used for performing various
cable exercises such as triceps pressdowns,
hammer curls, and cable crunches.
FIGURE 4.28 Rope attachment.
ankle collar—A wide ankle bracelet that clips to
pulleys to allow leg exercises to be performed
with cables, such as leg lifts and leg curls (see
figure 4.29).
FIGURE 4.29 Leg raises with an ankle collar attachment.
VARIABLE RESISTANCE
This category of strength training equipment provides variable resistance, whether controlled or
not. It includes machines that purposely vary the
resistance throughout the range of motion and
equipment that varies the resistance throughout
the range of motion in an uncontrolled fashion.
Cam-Based Resistance Machines
Cam-based resistance machines are the type of
weight machines found in most gyms. They are
often called selectorized machines because of the
weight stack that is on most of these machines.
However, some cam-based machines are plate
35
loaded. The most popular brands are Cybex, Life
Fitness, Nautilus, PreCor, Hoist, and Paramount.
The cam is an ellipse connected to the movement arm of the machine on which the cable
or belt travels. The purpose of the cam is to
provide variable resistance, which changes how
heavy the weight feels (but the actual weight
never changes) as the lifter moves through the
range of motion of the exercise. The reason
the perception of the weight needs to change
is that each joint movement has an associated
strength curve. That is, at different angles of the
joint the strength of the agonist muscle varies.
For example, during a biceps curl, the strength
of the agonist muscles (mainly the biceps) progressively gets stronger up to about 90 degrees
of bend at the elbow. After that, the strength
progressively decreases as the curl continues.
This is known as an ascending and descending
strength curve.
There are three types of strength curves and,
therefore, three basic cam shapes that correspond
to each strength curve:
ascending and descending curve—This type
of strength curve was described previously
with the biceps curl as an example. In this
type of curve the strength increases up to
about the halfway point of the movement and
then decreases through the rest of the movement. For this reason it is often referred to
as bell shaped. The shape of the ascending
and descending cam is similar to a bell or an
inverted U with the largest radius in the middle
(see figure 4.30a).
ascending curve—In the ascending curve the
strength progressively increases through the
entire range of motion. An example of this is
the bench press. The farther the weight moves
away from the chest, the stronger the agonist
muscles are. The shape of the ascending cam
is oblong with the largest radius at the distal
end (see figure 4.30b).
descending curve—In the descending curve the
strength progressively decreases through the
entire range of motion. This type of strength
curve can be experienced during the row
exercise. As the handles are pulled closer to
the body, the strength of the agonist muscles
decreases. The shape of the descending cam
is oblong with the largest radius at the proximal
end (see figure 4.30c).
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a
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
b
c
FIGURE 4.30 Types of cam machines: (a) ascending and descending cam, (b) ascending cam, and (c) descending cam.
Lever-Arm Resistance Machines
Lever-arm resistance machines use counterbalanced lever arms to mimic the strength curves of
the muscles being trained. Therefore, much like
cam-based machines, the counterbalanced lever
arms vary the resistance throughout the range of
motion by altering the amount of weight that counterbalances the weight being moved. These are
usually plate-loaded machines; however, some of
them use a weight stack system. The most popular
line of lever-arm resistance machines is Hammer
Strength by Life Fitness (see figure 4.31).
FIGURE 4.31 A Hammer Strength chest press.
Resistance With Pull
Some exercise devices don’t rely on mass for resistance but on the energy their material supplies.
Springs, bands, and other material that resist being
pulled are such devices. These devices provide
only ascending resistance, because the resistance
progressively increases over the range of motion.
Springs
The force generated by a spring is a restoring force,
which attempts to move the two attachment points
back to their original resting positions when they
are either pulled farther apart or pushed closer
together. The force a spring supplies depends
on its material and the diameter of its coils. The
distance the spring is pulled or compressed also
changes the force, because the farther the ends
are moved away from their original position, the
more force they will supply. This is known as the
spring rate—the rate at which tension increases
as the ends move. This characteristic makes it
impossible to maintain a particular resistance level
over the movement of the exercise.
As the spring is deflected, resistance goes up;
as it is relaxed, resistance goes down. Because
of spring rate, users are forced to select a resistance that will be within their strength capability at
maximum deflection, or they won’t be able to do
the exercise movement at all. As a result, during
the first 50 percent or more of the movement,
resistance is often too low to produce much benefit. Spring-resistance exercise devices come in a
variety of setups. These include simple handheld
devices that were popular in the 1950s, such as
the Bull Worker, Chest Expander, and Grip Master
(see figure 4.32). Although strength training has
progressed far beyond spring resistance, some
spring devices are still being used in certain
products such as hand grippers (see figure 4.33),
Pilates exercise machines, and the Stamina Gyrotonics spring-resistance exercise machine.
37
Strength Training Equipment
resistance from the free weights and the linear
variable resistance from the bands. Research
shows that this method can produce superior
gains in muscle strength and power than using free
weights alone. Bands and tubes are color coded
to represent a certain resistance level. See table
4.1 for color and resistance codes.
TABLE 4.1 Tube and Band Resistance
FIGURE 4.32 Bull Worker.
Band or tube color
Yellow
Green
Red
Blue
Black
Orange
Resistance level
Extra light
Light
Medium
Heavy
Extra heavy
Extra, extra heavy
Resistance levels are measured at 100 percent elongation and
twice the unstretched length. They should not be stretched beyond
this point.
FIGURE 4.33 Hand gripper.
Elastic Bands and Tubing
Elastic bands and tubing supply a restoring force
similar to that of springs. However, the force is
applied only when the ends of the material are
being pulled away from one another. Like springs,
elastic bands and tubing have a spring rate. That
is, as they are lengthened, the resistance they
provide increases (see figure 4.34). This type of
resistance is known as linear variable resistance
and provides numerous benefits that free weights
cannot. Because the resistance gets harder as you
pull the bands, it is great for targeting the fasttwitch muscle fibers and developing greater muscle
power. Because they are lightweight and portable,
bands and tubing allow exercisers to work out at
home or while away from home. They can also
be added to free weights to provide both isotonic
FIGURE 4.34 Elastic bands.
SPEED MACHINES
This category of strength training equipment deals
with machines that control the rate of speed of
movement. The type of muscle contraction where
the speed remains constant is considered isokinetic. Equipment that controls the speed of movement provides resistance simply by moving through
a range of motion at a particular set speed while the
lifter applies as much force as possible to the lever
arm without altering the speed at which the lever
arm moves. Because the lever arm must be moved
at a controlled, constant rate, the machines that
provide this type of resistance—known as isokinetic
dynamometers—are controlled by a computer.
isokinetic dynamometer—This computerized
resistance machine can be programmed to
move at a variety of set speeds. These are
commonly found only in laboratory settings or
sports medicine clinics as a tool for measuring
the amount of force that an athlete can apply.
This type of equipment is usually interfaced
with a computer to not only control the rate of
speed of the movement but to measure force
applied as well. There are several disadvantages of isokinetic dynamometers. The first
is the fact that the only motion they permit
is angular. In other words, they permit only
flexion or extension at the elbow, wrist, knee,
or ankle. They cannot be used for pressing
38
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
exercises, such as the bench press, shoulder
press, or squat. The other disadvantage of
isokinetic dynamometers is that no isokinetic
muscle actions actually occur in real-life
movements.
NONTRADITIONAL AND NEW
APPARATUS
The last category of strength training equipment
covers equipment that is typically not categorized
among the other more common forms of strength
training equipment. These devices include vibration machines, electronic and computerized resistance machines, pneumatic resistance machines,
hydraulic resistance machines, and the Bodyblade.
Common to them all is the fact that the way they
provide resistance is novel.
Vibration Machines
Whole-body vibration machines usually consist
of a device that the user can stand, lie, sit, or
place the hands or any other part of the body on
to transmit vibration to the body tissues the user
wishes to stimulate (see figure 4.35). Most of
these vibration machines are about the size of a
typical stair stepper, and the vibration platform is
about 32 inches by 20 inches (81 by 51 centimeters). The control panel allows the user to change
the speed (or frequency) and the magnitude of
the vibration.
contract and relax at an extremely rapid rate and
with very high force. Research shows that performing vibration training for several weeks can
increase muscle strength and power (Issurin and
Tenenbaum 1999) as well as increase the release
of growth hormone and testosterone, which are
anabolic hormones (Bosco et al. 2000). Although
most people cannot understand how vibration can
be considered a method of strength training, it is
slowly being recognized for its ability to increase
strength, power, and possibly muscle growth.
Electronic and Computerized
Resistance Machines
Electronic and computerized machines provide
resistance through gears and belts connected to
a motor. These are programmed to provide variable
resistance throughout the range of motion to follow
the strength curve of the muscle being trained.
Resistance can be increased in increments as
small as one pound through a touch screen,
button, or foot pedal. Some machines can be
programmed to provide greater resistance during
the eccentric portion of the exercise.
Pneumatic Resistance Machines
Pneumatic resistance machines use a compressor
to supply air pressure for resistance. This allows
the lifter to adjust the resistance on his or her own
throughout the range of motion (see figure 4.36).
The benefit of this is that as the muscles fatigue
during a set, the resistance can be reduced to
allow more reps to be completed.
FIGURE 4.35 Vibration machine.
Most machines have vibration plates that move
up and down and side to side, while others work
as a high-speed wobble board. The energy from the
mechanical vibration (of the plate) is transferred
through the body, causing the muscle fibers to
FIGURE 4.36 Pneumatic machine.
39
Strength Training Equipment
Both electronic and pneumatic machines work
in one plane, so the user’s motion is predefined.
Electronic and pneumatic machines can be less
intimidating and safer for beginning exercisers
because weight stacks aren’t visible and plates
do not have to be loaded. Some exercisers do not
like electronic or pneumatic equipment, however,
because they don’t provide the feel of lifting an
actual weight stack, dumbbell, or barbell. These
modalities also can be more expensive than other
strength training equipment, and they require
special wiring for electricity or a layout to accommodate an air compressor and hoses.
Because of their uniqueness and ability to
suit any population, electronic and pneumatic
machines can be an excellent investment and provide variety in strength training for all exercisers.
a force that the holder must resist to literally keep
it from flying out of the hands. With each oscillation
the muscles of the arms and core must resist the
movement by contracting. The greater the amplitude of the blade ends (the farther they flex up and
down), the more force the user must apply to resist
the movement. By varying the positions of the body
or direction of the flexing blade, the user can target
specific muscle groups throughout the body. Since
the blade can be used at any angle and position,
a major benefit to this piece of equipment is that
it can mimic the movements in a particular sport
and provide the required specificity of training. The
disadvantage of the Bodyblade is the fact that it
is limited mainly to upper-body and core exercises
with little application for the lower-body muscles.
Hydraulic Resistance Machines
Hydraulic resistance machines provide resistance through hydraulics. The lever arm on these
machines is connected to a hydraulic piston that
provides resistance against the oil-filled chamber
it resides in. The problem with hydraulic resistance
machines is that they allow for concentric contractions only. Therefore, most hydraulic machines
train dual muscles but only through the concentric
portion. For instance, the hydraulic biceps machine
is a biceps–triceps machine because after the user
curls the weight up, he or she must press it back
down using the triceps muscles.
Bodyblade
Bodyblade, shown in figure 4.37, is a five-foot-long
fiberglass beam that resembles a snow ski and
works by the laws of inertia (an object set in motion
remains in motion until another force acts on it to
stop or change its direction). The user holds the
middle of it and pushes and pulls on the apparatus
to start it oscillating. During use, it oscillates at
an average rate of about 270 times per minute.
These oscillations in the ends of the blade create
FIGURE 4.37 Bodyblade.
SUMMARY
Strength training equipment has developed over
the decades from simple free weights to complex
machinery that provide resistance through novel
mechanisms. This, however, is not to say that the
more modern equipment is better than the simplest form of free weights. In fact, free weights
have many advantages and very few disadvantages. Modern resistance machines, on the other
hand, tend to have many more disadvantages
than free weight equipment. Because all forms of
strength training equipment offer different advantages and are limited by different disadvantages,
it is best to use a variety of training equipment in
your strength training program.
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PART II
TRAINING FOR
MUSCLE MASS
42
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Muscle growth—known scientifically as muscle
hypertrophy—involves a complex integration of
multiple factors. Strength training initiates many of
these factors through both the mechanical stress
and the metabolic stress that it places on the
muscle fibers. The mechanical stress is the actual
physical weight the muscle fibers must resist by
contracting. This damages muscle fibers and initiates a biochemical cascade that leads to growth
of muscle fibers. The metabolic stress comes from
the energy demands placed on the muscle to fuel
muscle contractions. This type of stress initiates
biochemical cascades that influence growth of
muscle fiber through various mechanisms that
mainly result in an increase in muscle protein
synthesis. Although the details of many of these
biochemical cascades are well defined, it is currently unknown exactly how all these factors work
together to result in muscle growth. Yet, through
both trial and error and scientific investigation, we
do know what training techniques and programs
work best to influence the factors that are responsible for causing muscle growth. These techniques
and programs are presented in part II.
Chapter 5 covers the basics of creating strength
training programs for maximizing muscle growth.
This chapter teaches you how to organize your
workouts for the week based on your training
experience and schedule. It presents guidelines for
designing workouts that are effective at producing
gains in muscle mass. In addition, it breaks down
training into exercises for each major muscle group
to allow maximal growth of each.
Chapter 6 introduces you to more advanced
training strategies that you can add to the training
foundations in chapter 5. These techniques are
designed to exaggerate the mechanical stresses
and metabolic stresses that are placed on the
muscle fibers to encourage muscle growth. These
are strategies that are critical to the advanced
lifter because the advanced lifter’s muscle fibers
are better able to handle the stress of strength
training.
Chapter 7 concludes this section with long-term
training cycles that are designed for beginning,
intermediate, and advanced lifters. In addition,
training cycles are designed for specific overall
goals as well as for emphasizing the growth of
specific muscle groups. Whether you’re a beginner
or an advanced weightlifter, if your current goal is
to build more muscle, in part II you will discover
all you need to know to realize that goal.
CHAPTER 5
Tactics for Building
Muscle Mass
Regardless of whether your goal is to maximize
muscle mass or strength gains, knowing how to
develop an individualized training program that
delivers results is critical to your pursuit. While
advanced training techniques—like those described
in chapter 6—can help you rapidly advance muscle
gains, you must first understand how to organize a
basic training program. This chapter demonstrates
how to put together a basic yet highly effective program that you can build on later with more advanced
training methods as you progress.
If your primary goal is to build muscle mass,
then you must consider several things when structuring your strength training program. You will need
to consider the variables discussed in chapter 2.
These include the choice of exercises you will perform, the order of those exercises, how many sets
of each exercise you will do, how heavy a weight
you will use on those exercises, how much rest
you will allow between sets, and even how fast or
slow your reps are. You will also need to consider
how often you will train each muscle group, how
you will split up your training, and how you will
periodize (or cycle) your training for optimal results.
WEEKLY SPLITS
Most weightlifters break their training down into
a weekly period. While this isn’t a necessity, it
seems to be the simplest approach to split up
training days because our calendar revolves
around a weekly schedule. All other activities in
our lives—school, work, television programs, and
leisure activities—all follow a weekly schedule. It’s
only logical to break your strength training down
into a similar period. How you split your training will
influence how often you train each muscle group
per week. Choosing a training split that is the most
advantageous for you depends on several factors,
such as your training experience, your overall goals,
your schedule, and even convenience.
The following seven training splits are the most
common and effective for the majority of bodybuilders. These splits start with the easiest (whole-body
training) split for beginners (those with less than
six months of consistent strength training) and progressively become more intense as they advance
through push–pull training splits and two-day training splits, which are ideal for intermediate lifters
(those with less than one year of consistent strength
training) and end with five-day training splits and
twice-a-day training splits, which are geared for the
advanced lifter (those with over a year of consistent strength training). Choosing the right split will
depend primarily on your training experience, but you
should also take into consideration your schedule.
Whole-Body Training
Whole-body training refers to single workouts that
stress every major muscle group. In other words,
the entire body is trained in every workout. Because
you will need to train up to 11 major muscle groups
(chest, shoulders, back, quadriceps, hamstrings,
biceps, triceps, forearms, trapezius, calves, and
abdominals) in each workout, the number of
exercises and sets you can do per muscle group
is minimal. This allows you to train each muscle
group more frequently because it receives a limited amount of stress at each workout. Typically,
most whole-body training workouts use one or two
exercises per muscle group, and total sets per
muscle group rarely exceed six. Compare this to the
four-day and five-day training splits, which allow the
weightlifter to hit three to six exercises and a total
43
44
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
of 12 to 30 sets per muscle group. The fewer total
sets a muscle group receives, the less recuperation
it usually needs before being trained again.
Whole-body training splits allow you to train each
muscle group about three times per week. This type
of training split is best for beginning weightlifters
(those with up to six months of training experience),
those who want to train each muscle group more
frequently, and those who are interested in cutting
down on body fat. The reason whole-body training is
the best choice for beginners is that the initial adaptations made in a strength training program involve
the nervous system. That is, in the first few months
of strength training, the primary improvements are
seen in the motor units (the nerve fibers that serve
the muscle cells). These improvements allow the
muscles to contract more efficiently and are best
trained by repetition. This means that the best
way for beginners to train is with high repetitions
and more frequent training to program the nervous
system. They should use the same exercises in each
workout to maximize the learning effect that will have
the greatest benefit on the nervous system.
Whole-body training is effective for building
muscle mass for two reasons. The first benefit
is known as the staircase effect. Training each
muscle group every other day (or about three days
per week) allows you to build onto the effects of
the previous workout. If you wait too long between
workouts, you’re back to square one—almost as if
you are starting over from the original point. Some
experts believe that the staircase effect is critical
to muscle adaptation. The second benefit to wholebody training is that it stimulates a large portion
of the body’s muscle mass. This leads to higher
production of growth hormone and testosterone
(important for stimulating muscle growth) than
workouts that train fewer muscle groups. If you are
an advanced weightlifter, the best way to use wholebody training is to mix up the exercises at every
workout. This allows you to hit each muscle group
from a variety of angles for better stimulation of the
majority of muscle fibers within each muscle group.
When it comes to shedding body fat, no workout
split is more conducive to that goal than wholebody training. Training all the major muscle groups
revs up cellular processes in all the muscle cells,
which increases the metabolic rate for up to 48
hours after the workout is over. This means you
will burn more calories while sitting around doing
nothing. See tables 5.1 and 5.2 for beginner and
advanced whole-body training splits.
TABLE 5.1 Beginner Whole-Body Training
Split
Exercise
Incline barbell bench press
Dumbbell row
Barbell shoulder press
Leg press
Triceps pressdown
Standing dumbbell curl
Standing calf raise
Crunch
Sets
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Reps
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
10-12
12-15
15-20
TABLE 5.2 Advanced Whole-Body Training
Split
MONDAY
Exercise
Bench press
Pulldown
Lateral raise
Squat
Barbell curl
Triceps extension
Seated calf raise
Crunch
Sets
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Reps
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
10-12
12-15
15-20
4
4
4
3
3
4
4
4
4
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
10-12
8-10
10-12
10-12
12-15
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
8-10
15-20
10-12
WEDNESDAY
Barbell row
Barbell shoulder press
Incline fly
Leg extension
Lying leg curl
Lying triceps extension
Incline dumbbell curl
Standing calf raise
Reverse crunch
FRIDAY
Incline dumbbell press
Dumbbell row
Upright row
Leg press
Preacher curl
Close-grip bench press
Leg press calf raise
Hanging leg raise
45
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
Upper- and Lower-Body Training
Upper- and lower-body training is a training split
that simply breaks the body down into upperbody (chest, back, shoulders, trapezius, biceps,
triceps) and lower-body (quadriceps, hamstrings,
calves, and often abdominals to limit the volume
of work done in upper-body workouts). This
allows you to train each muscle group two or
three times per week depending on whether your
schedule allows for four or six days of training
each week. The four-day-per-week schedule is a
good advancement for the beginner who is progressing from whole-body training. The advantage
of upper- and lower-body training over whole-body
training is that you can do more volume for each
muscle group with upper- and lower-body training.
Because you train fewer muscle groups each
workout, you have the time to do more exercises and total sets for each muscle group. This
means you can train each muscle group more
intensely than with whole-body training. However,
this means the muscles will require more rest
on an upper- and lower-body training split. For
this reason most bodybuilders using this split
train four days per week, as shown in table 5.3.
This allows for two or three days of rest for each
muscle group between workouts and allows for
different exercises to be done for each muscle
group on the separate workouts.
TABLE 5.3 Upper- and Lower-Body Training Split
UPPER BODY (MONDAY)
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Sets
Incline bench press
3
Dumbbell fly
3
Back
Pull-up
3
Dumbbell row
3
Shoulders Dumbbell shoulder
3
press
Lateral raise
3
Trapezius
Smith machine shrug
3
Biceps
Barbell curl
3
Preacher curl
2
Triceps
Close-grip bench press
3
Triceps pressdown
2
LOWER BODY (TUESDAY)
Quadriceps Leg press
3
Leg extension
3
Hamstrings Seated leg curl
3
Calves
Leg press calf raise
3
Seated calf raise
3
Abdominals Hanging leg raise
3
Crunch
3
UPPER BODY (THURSDAY)
Reps
6-8
8-10
6-8
8-10
6-8
10-12
6-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
10-12
6-8
10-12
10-12
15-20
15-20
10-12
15-20
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Sets
Dumbbell bench press
3
Incline dumbbell fly
3
Back
Barbell row
3
Reverse-grip pulldown
3
Shoulders Barbell shoulder press
3
Upright row
3
Trapezius
Dumbbell shrug
3
Biceps
Incline dumbbell curl
3
Cable curl
2
Triceps
Lying triceps extension
3
Triceps dip
2
LOWER BODY (FRIDAY)
Quadriceps Squat
3
Dumbbell lunge
3
Hamstrings Romanian deadlift
3
Calves
Seated calf raise
3
Standing calf raise
3
Abdominals Cable crunch
3
Reverse crunch
3
Reps
8-10
8-10
6-8
8-10
6-8
10-12
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
6-8
10-12
8-10
15-20
15-20
10-12
15-20
46
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Two-Day Training Split
The two-day training split is very similar to the
upper- and lower-body training split. The minor
difference is that some upper-body muscle
groups are trained with the legs (see table 5.4).
This is because the upper body is composed
of more muscle groups than the lower body.
Many weightlifters use a scheme similar to the
upper- and lower-body training split, but they
train biceps and triceps with legs. This splits
the two workouts into a workout for the chest,
back, shoulder, trapezius, and abdominals and a
workout for the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves,
biceps, and triceps. The benefits of the two-day
training split are the same as for the upper- and
lower-body training split. However, the advantage
to the two-day training split is that it better balances the number of muscle groups trained for
each workout. You can use the two-day training
split to train each muscle group either twice a
week or three times per week, depending on your
schedule and the amount of time you want to
allow muscle groups to recover.
TABLE 5.4 Two-Day Training Split
MONDAY
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Decline bench press
Incline cable fly
Back
Close-grip pulldown
Smith machine row
Shoulders Smith machine
shoulder press
Cable lateral raise
Trapezius
Barbell shrug
Abdominals Hanging leg raise
Oblique crunch
TUESDAY
Quadriceps Smith machine squat
One-leg leg extension
Hamstrings Dumbbell Romanian
deadlift
Calves
Donkey calf raise
Seated calf raise
Biceps
Barbell curl
Cable concentration
curl
Triceps
Seated triceps
extension
Triceps pressdown
THURSDAY
Sets
3
3
3
3
3
Reps
6-8
8-10
8-10
8-10
6-8
3
3
3
3
10-12
6-8
10-12
15-20
3
3
3
6-10
12-15
8-10
3
3
3
2
15-20
15-20
8-10
10-12
3
8-10
2
10-12
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Sets
Incline dumbbell press
3
Machine fly
3
Back
Seated cable row
3
Wide-grip pulldown
3
Shoulders Dumbbell shoulder
3
press
Barbell front raise
3
Trapezius
Behind-the-back barbell
3
shrug
Abdominals Hip thrust
3
Exercise-ball crunch
3
FRIDAY
Quadriceps Leg press
3
Dumbbell lunge
3
Hamstrings Lying leg curl
3
Calves
Seated calf raise
3
Leg press calf raise
3
Biceps
Alternating dumbbell
3
curl
Preacher curl
2
Triceps
Triceps dip
3
Lying triceps extension
2
Reps
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
15-20
15-20
6-8
10-12
10-12
15-20
15-20
8-10
10-12
6-10
8-10
47
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
Three-Day Training Split
The three-day training split is a common training
split used by many bodybuilders to break the major
muscle groups into three separate workouts.
Although it is not critical how you pair muscle
groups, a very common way to break up muscle
groups with a three-day split is to separate workouts into a leg day (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves),
a push day that trains the muscle groups involved
in pushing movements (chest, shoulders, and
triceps), and a pull day that trains muscle groups
that perform pulling movements (back and biceps).
Muscle groups such as abs can be trained on the
first and third workout (if training each muscle group
once per week) or on the second workout (if training
each muscle group twice per week). Dividing the
body into three separate workouts allows you to
further increase the volume that is typically used in
whole-body training, upper- and lower-body training,
and two-day training splits. This type of split allows
you to give each muscle group three to seven days
of rest between workouts. Most bodybuilders using
this system train each muscle group either once
or twice per week. When training muscle groups
just once per week, the typical three-day training
split is done on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as
shown in table 5.5. Although the training doesn’t
have to take place on these precise three days, it is
best to provide one day of rest between workouts.
However, if your schedule does not allow for this,
it is perfectly fine to train two or even all three of
the workouts on consecutive days. This three-day
training split is convenient for bodybuilders who
train with high intensity or high volume because of
the amount of rest allowed. For those interested
in training each muscle group twice per week, the
three-day training split can be done on Monday,
Tuesday, and Wednesday and then repeated Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with a rest day on Sunday.
Lower volume should be used for most muscle
groups when training this frequently.
TABLE 5.5 Three-Day Training Split
FRIDAY
MONDAY
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Bench press
Incline dumbbell press
Cable crossover
Shoulders Dumbbell shoulder
press
Upright row
Bent-over lateral raise
Trapezius
Dumbbell shrug
Triceps
Seated triceps
extension
Triceps pressdown
(rope)
Abdominals Hanging leg raise
WEDNESDAY
Quadriceps Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Hamstrings Lying leg curl
Calves
Standing calf raise
Seated calf raise
Sets
3
3
3
3
Reps
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
3
3
3
3
8-10
10-12
6-8
8-10
3
10-12
3
10-12
3
3
3
3
3
3
8-10
6-8
10-12
10-12
10-12
12-15
Muscle
group
Back
Exercise
Sets
Pull-up
3
Barbell row
3
Seated cable row (wide
3
grip)
Straight-arm pressdown
3
Biceps
Barbell curl
3
Preacher curl
3
Forearms
Wrist curl
3
Abdominals Standing cable crunch
3
Reverse crunch
3
Reps
6-10
6-8
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
12-15
48
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Four-Day Training Split
The four-day training split divides all the major
muscle groups of the body into four separate training
days. This allows you to train fewer muscle groups
each workout. By training fewer muscle groups per
workout, you can increase the volume and intensity
of your workouts. Both of these factors are important
for continued progress as your training experience
grows. Most four-day training splits are done on a
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday schedule,
and rest days are taken on Wednesday, Saturday,
and Sunday. A common way to break up the body’s
muscle groups is by training chest, triceps, and
abdominals on Mondays; quadriceps, hamstrings,
and calves on Tuesdays; shoulders, trapezius, and
abdominals on Thursdays; and back, biceps, and
forearms on Friday, as covered in table 5.6.
The four-day training split pairs larger muscle
groups with smaller ones that assist the larger
muscle groups, such as chest with triceps. The
triceps assist the chest muscles (pectorals) in
all pressing exercises such as the bench press.
The logic behind this technique is that the chest
workout also works the triceps muscles. With
this in mind, it makes sense to continue with
exercises that further target the triceps. This is
the same with pairing back, biceps, and forearms
as well as quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
Along this line of reasoning, you could also pair
chest with shoulders and trapezius because
the shoulder (deltoid) muscles assist the chest
during all exercises that target the chest. The
most important rule here is that larger muscle
groups are trained before the smaller muscle
groups that assist them, because if you train the
smaller muscle groups first, they will be fatigued
when you are training the larger muscle group and
will limit strength on the exercises for the larger
muscle group.
TABLE 5.6 Four-Day Training Split for Pairing Like Muscle Groups
MONDAY
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Incline bench press
Dumbbell bench press
Incline dumbbell fly
Cable crossover
Triceps
Triceps dip
Lying triceps extension
Overhead rope
extension
Abdominals Hanging leg raise
Crunch
TUESDAY
Quadriceps Smith machine squat
Lunge
Leg extension
Hamstrings Lying leg curl
Romanian deadlift
Calves
Standing calf raise
Seated calf raise
THURSDAY
Sets
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Reps
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
6-10
8-10
10-12
3
3
10-12
15-20
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
8-10
10-12
12-15
Muscle
group
Shoulders
Exercise
Sets
Barbell shoulder press
3
Lateral raise
3
Front raise
2
Standing cable reverse
2
fly
Trapezius
Barbell behind-the-back
4
shrug
Abdominals Hip thrust
3
Cable crunch
3
FRIDAY
Back
Wide-grip pulldown to
3
front
One-arm dumbbell row
3
T-bar row
3
Reverse-grip pulldown
3
Biceps
EZ bar curl
3
3
Dumbbell concentration curl
Alternating hammer
3
curl
Forearms
Dumbbell wrist curl
3
Reverse wrist curl
3
Reps
8-10
10-12
10-12
10-12
8-10
12-15
12-15
8-10
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
10-12
8-10
10-12
10-12
49
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
Of course, this isn’t your only option for pairing
muscle groups. On the flip side of pairing muscle
groups that work together is the concept of separating muscle groups that work together. The
reasoning for this is that the smaller muscle group
is often fatigued after training the larger muscle
group. This will limit the strength of the smaller
muscle group and cause it to fatigue earlier when
doing exercises that target it. This in turn can limit
growth of that muscle. The option here would be to
split up the muscle groups into those that perform
opposite actions. For example, on Monday train
chest and back; Tuesday train shoulders, trapezius, and abdominals; Thursday train quadriceps,
hamstrings, and calves; and Friday train biceps,
triceps, forearms, and abdominals, as shown in
table 5.7. The Monday and Friday workouts best
exemplify this training strategy. Training chest
and back allows you to train two muscle groups
that don’t fatigue each other. The same can be
said for training biceps and triceps together. Each
muscle group performs an opposite motion of its
training pair. The biceps flex the elbow while the
triceps extend it. Not only does this help to prevent
fatigue of the second muscle group trained, but it
can also enhance muscle strength, as explained
in chapter 9, with the technique known as frontto-back training.
TABLE 5.7 Four-Day Training Split for Pairing Opposite Muscle Groups
MONDAY
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Sets
Smith machine bench
3
press
Incline dumbbell press
Dumbbell fly
3
Pec deck
3
Back
Pull-up
3
Reverse-grip barbell row
3
Seated cable row
3
Wide-grip pulldown
3
TUESDAY
Shoulders Dumbbell shoulder
3
press
Smith machine upright
3
row
One-arm cable lateral
3
raise
Bent-over lateral raise
3
Trapezius
Barbell shrug
4
Abdominals Incline sit-up
3
Oblique crunch
3
THURSDAY
Reps
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
6-10
6-8
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
6-8
12-15
12-15
Muscle
group
Exercise
Sets
Quadriceps Squat
3
Leg press
3
Step-up
3
Leg extension
3
Hamstrings Standing leg curl
3
Calves
Smith machine calf
3
raise
Seated calf raise
3
FRIDAY
Biceps
Alternating dumbbell
3
curl
Lying cable curl
3
Dumbbell preacher curl
3
Forearms
Reverse-grip curl
3
Behind-the-back wrist
3
curl
Triceps
Close-grip bench press
3
Triceps pressdown
3
One-arm overhead
3
dumbbell extension
Abdominals Exercise-ball crunch
3
Reverse crunch
3
Reps
6-8
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
10-12
12-15
8-10
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
6-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
12-15
50
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Five-Day Training Split
The five-day split lets you train most muscle groups
solo. This means that each workout you can focus
on one major muscle group. Training this way
lets you radically increase the intensity factor of
training and the total volume you perform. This is
because each major muscle group is trained when
it is rested and at its strongest. A sample five-day
training program might be chest on Monday, legs
(quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves) on Tuesday,
back on Wednesday, shoulders and trapezius on
Thursday, and arms (triceps, biceps, and forearms)
on Friday. Abdominals can be thrown in on any
day such as Monday and Thursday, as shown in
table 5.8. This lets you have the weekends off for
rest. When you take the rest days is not critical
because you could essentially take any two days
off during the week. Rest days with this split are
more a matter of your schedule. If training on the
weekends is not a problem, then train Saturday
and Sunday, but take two weekdays off for rest.
TABLE 5.8 Five-Day Training Split
MONDAY
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Sets
Smith machine incline
4
press
Dumbbell bench press
3
Decline dumbbell press
3
Incline dumbbell fly
3
Cable fly
3
Abdominals Hanging leg raise
3
Oblique crunch
3
Cable crunch
3
TUESDAY
Quadriceps Squat
4
Hack squat
3
Lunge
3
Leg extension
3
Hamstrings Romanian deadlift
3
Lying leg curl
3
Calves
Standing calf raise
3
Donkey calf raise
3
Seated calf raise
3
WEDNESDAY
Back
Pull-up
3
Barbell row
3
One-arm dumbbell row
3
Reverse-grip pulldown
3
Straight-arm pressdown
3
THURSDAY
Reps
6-10
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
12-15
12-15
10-12
6-10
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
10-12
10-12
12-15
15-20
6-10
6-8
8-10
10-12
10-12
Muscle
group
Shoulders
Exercise
Barbell shoulder press
Dumbbell shoulder
press
Cable upright row
Seated dumbbell
lateral raise
Reverse pec deck
Trapezius
Smith machine shrug
Dumbbell shrug
Abdominals Reverse crunch
Standing cable crunch
V-up
FRIDAY
Triceps
Lying triceps extension
Reverse-grip cable
pressdown
Overhead dumbbell
extension
Dumbbell kickback
Biceps
Barbell curl
EZ bar preacher curl
Prone incline dumbbell
curl
Seated hammer curl
Forearms
Dumbbell wrist curl
Dumbbell reverse wrist
curl
Sets
3
3
Reps
6-8
8-10
3
3
8-10
10-12
3
3
3
3
3
3
10-12
6-8
8-10
12-15
10-12
12-15
3
3
8-10
8-10
3
8-10
2
3
3
3
12-15
8-10
8-10
8-10
2
3
3
10-12
10-12
10-12
51
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
Twice-a-Day Training Split
This is a demanding split that offers several advantages for only the most advanced bodybuilders.
As the name implies, the twice-a-day training split
involves training at two separate times a day. Typically, most bodybuilders who train twice a day train
one muscle group earlier in the day and one muscle
group later in the day (see table 5.9). The break
between the two training sessions usually is at least
six hours. Depending on your goal, this allows you
to either train more frequently or get more complete
rest days. With twice-a-day training you can train
all the major muscle groups of the body in three or
four days. This means you can get either three or
four days of rest each week if you train the muscle
groups once per week. However, this method also
allows you to train each muscle group up to twice
per week. Another way to use twice-a-day training
is to follow a typical five-day training split that
incorporates a not-so-typical twist: train the same
muscle group twice per day. According to research,
this may be a beneficial way to train muscles. See
chapter 6 for more details on this training method.
TABLE 5.9 Twice-a-Day Training Split
THURSDAY (8:00 A.M.)
MONDAY (8:00 A.M.)
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
Sets
Bench press
3
Incline dumbbell bench
3
press
Incline dumbbell fly
3
Cable crossover
3
MONDAY (6:00 P.M.)
Triceps
Triceps dip
3
Dumbbell lying triceps
3
extension
Triceps pressdown
2
Overhead dumbbell
2
triceps extension
Abdominals Hanging leg raise
3
Cable crunch
3
TUESDAY (8:00 A.M.)
Quadriceps Leg press
4
Smith machine squat
4
Step-up
3
One-leg leg extension
4
TUESDAY (6:00 P.M.)
Hamstrings Romanian deadlift
3
Lying leg curl
3
Back extension
2
Calves
Standing calf raise
4
Seated calf raise
4
Reps
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
6-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
10-12
10-12
6-8
8-10
8-10
12-15
8-10
10-12
12-15
10-12
12-15
Muscle
group
Shoulders
Exercise
Sets
Barbell shoulder press
4
Dumbbell upright row
3
Dumbbell lateral raise
3
Bent-over lateral raise
3
THURSDAY (6:00 P.M.)
Trapezius
Smith machine barbell
3
shrug
Seated dumbbell shrug
3
Abdominals Hip thrust
3
Exercise-ball crunch
3
FRIDAY (8:00 A.M.)
Back
Wide-grip pulldown to
4
front
Barbell row
4
Close-grip pulldown
3
Seated cable row
3
FRIDAY (6:00 P.M.)
Biceps
Barbell curl
3
Incline dumbbell curl
3
Cable concentration
2
curl
Dumbbell hammer curl
2
Forearms
Dumbbell wrist curl
3
Reverse wrist curl
3
Reps
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
6-8
8-10
12-15
12-15
8-10
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
10-12
10-12
8-10
10-12
10-12
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
BODY-PART TRAINING
Regardless of what type of split you choose, you
need to be informed about the best ways to train
each muscle group according to your training split of
choice. The training split you use will influence factors such as the number of exercises you perform
and the total number of sets you do per muscle
group. But generally speaking, your training split
does not have to influence the type of exercises
you choose, the amount of weight used, the number
of reps performed, or the amount of rest you allow
between sets. Therefore, there are general rules
to consider when designing a strength training
program, regardless of the spilt you are employing.
If your goal is to maximize muscle mass, then
your most important rule has to deal with taking
all sets to muscle failure. Although the sweet
spot for muscle growth is said to be in the range
of 8 to 12 reps, newer research from McMaster
University in Canada suggests that the amount
of weight and rep range used may not matter
as much as once proposed as long as sets are
taken to muscle failure. One of their studies
reported that participants training for 10 weeks
using weights that allowed them to complete 20
to 30 reps and taking each set to muscle failure
gained as much muscle mass as those training
with weights that limited them to 8 to 12 reps per
set and taking each set to muscle failure (Burd
et al. 2010). Other studies done by this group
demonstrate that the higher rep ranges (20-30)
with light weight taken to muscle failure increase
muscle protein synthesis to an equivalent amount
or even better than lower rep ranges (4-5 reps)
taken to muscle failure (Burd et al. 2011). So
the smartest plan of attack is to cycle through a
variety of rep ranges from very low (3-5 per set)
with heavy weight to very high (20-30+ per set)
with light weight, and a multitude of rep ranges
in between, such as 6 to 8 per set, 9 to 11 per
set, and 12 to 15 per set. This way you get the
benefit that each rep range imparts, aside from
the direct influence on muscle protein synthesis.
For example, heavier-weight workouts have been
shown to increase testosterone levels higher
than workouts with lighter weight. Testosterone
is an anabolic hormone that initiates the process
of muscle growth. However, higher reps, such as
15 or more, are associated with a higher rate of
release of growth hormone compared to workouts
involving heavier weight. Because growth hormone is involved in muscle growth, maximizing
its release after a workout can be critical. Higher
reps also enhance the capillarization of muscle
fibers. That is, the amount of blood vessels that
supply the muscles increases with higher-repetition training. By increasing the number of blood
vessels that supply a muscle fiber, there is an
accompanying increase in the delivery of blood
to the muscle fibers. Enhancing blood flow to
the muscle fibers increases the supply of critical
nutrients for energy and growth such as carbohydrate, amino acids from protein, and fat. There
also is greater provision of oxygen. Oxygen not
only is essential for muscle energy for recovery
between sets but is also critical for lessening the
indirect muscle damage that follows a weightlifting workout. Another benefit of increased blood
flow to muscle fibers is the greater supply of
anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and
growth hormone, to the muscles.
The order in which you cycle the rep ranges
may not be critical. Periodized models using linear
schemes, reverse linear schemes, and undulating
schemes have all been effective in producing
muscle growth. So a variety of periodized programs
that cycle a variety of rep ranges but take each
working set to failure appear to be the best tactic
for focusing on muscle growth.
Another important consideration for building
muscle mass is the rest time allowed between
sets. Most bodybuilders use shorter rest periods
of around one to two minutes. Shorter rest periods—those that are two minutes or less—have
also been shown to increase the surge of growth
hormone that follows a weightlifting workout.
Shorter rest periods also increase the capillarization of the muscles as well as enhance the activity
of enzymes that are involved in energy supply to
the muscle. One study reported that participants
following an eight-week strength-training program
who decreased the rest period between sets by 15
seconds every week had greater gains in muscle
mass than those keeping rest periods steady at
2 minutes (Souza-Junior et al. 2011). See chapter
6 for programs that decrease rest period between
sets over time.
Exercise selection and order of those exercises are other important things to consider for
building muscle mass. For larger muscle groups
that employ several multijoint exercises, such as
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
the chest, back, shoulders, and legs, you should
primarily do those multijoint exercises early in
the workout when the muscle is strongest. Then
follow those exercises with isolation exercises
that involve movement at one single joint and best
isolate the targeted muscle group. The reason for
this is that multijoint exercises recruit the help of
other muscle groups to perform the exercise. The
targeted muscle group of that exercise is considered the primary mover, while the muscle groups
that help the primary mover perform the exercise
are considered assistance muscles. An example
of this is the bench press, a multijoint exercise
for the chest. In the bench press, the chest is
considered the primary mover while the shoulders,
triceps, and even the lats are considered the
assistance muscles. Because multijoint exercises
involve synergy of several muscle groups, you can
lift more weight with multijoint exercises. It is a
good idea to do the exercises that you can lift
the most weight with first. This is when all the
muscles used in that exercise are freshest and
therefore can all help to lift the greatest amount
of weight they are capable of lifting. Using more
weight places more overload on the target muscles, which can lead to increased muscle hypertrophy over time. All that said, on occasion it’s
a good idea to flip this rule on its head and use
the training technique known as preexhaust. With
this technique you do the single-joint exercises
for a muscle group first in the workout and the
multijoint exercises last. For more on preexhaust
and why it works and to see a program that uses
it, go to chapter 6.
For gains in strength, the general consensus
among experts is that fewer sets tend to be
best. But there is some debate over the ideal
volume—or total sets—to use for optimizing
gains in muscle mass. One reason may be that
there is no ideal number of sets for increasing
muscle mass. In general, beginners should start
out with fewer sets and gradually increase them
as their training experience progresses. But when
you consider experienced bodybuilders, there are
few generalizations that can be made in regard
to volume. Some bodybuilders train with very low
volume (6 to 10 total sets per muscle group), while
others use extremely high volume (20 to 30 total
sets per muscle group), as did the most famous
bodybuilder of all time, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
One bit of advice for advanced lifters is to cycle
training volume from periods of low volume to high
volume. This will depend on the training intensity
as well as the training frequency.
Just remember that these are general guidelines
for building a solid foundation for your training program. Many of the methods you will read about in
chapter 6 contradict these guidelines. The reason
is that the techniques presented in chapter 6 are
techniques for those with moderate to extensive
training experience. For experienced lifters, changing the convention from time to time better enables
muscle growth because of the radical change in
the training program.
Changing Your Split
No matter the training split that currently is your best fit, you should consider changing your split to
offer your body some variety in the way you train it. Just as it is important to change your weight and
reps or rest time between sets, altering how you split up your training is another way to maintain continual progress in training adaptations and avoid stagnation. For beginners, starting on a whole-body
training split and then slowly progressing to splits that allow more volume to be done for each muscle
group is a necessity. See the table for a suggested succession of training splits based on training
experience. Start with the split that corresponds to your level of training experience and progress to
the next split as you reach a new level of training experience.
Training experience (months)
1 to 3
4 to 9
10 to 18
19+
53
Optimal training split
Whole-body training split
Upper- and lower-body training split or two-day training split
Three-day training split
Four- or five-day training split
54
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Chest
The chest refers to the muscle group known as the
pectoralis major. This consists of the upper pectoralis major and lower pectoralis major (see figure
5.1). The pectoralis muscles perform movements
such as horizontal adduction of the upper arms,
as in the dumbbell fly. For detailed descriptions
of chest exercises, refer to chapter 14. Basic,
multijoint exercises for the chest involve pressing
movements, such as the bench press, incline
dumbbell press, and push-up. Isolation exercises
for the chest are flylike exercises that involve movement of the arms without any change occurring at
the elbow joint. Examples of isolation exercises for
the chest include the dumbbell fly, cable crossover,
and pec deck. The upper and lower sections of
the chest are hit differently by the various chest
exercises. Therefore, the first order of importance
when it comes to chest training is to ensure that
you include exercises that target the upper, middle,
and lower pectoralis. Refer to table 5.10 for basic
guidelines in designing a chest workout based on
the current training split used.
a
b
c
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.01/496099/alw/R1-pulled
a
b
c
FIGURE 5.1 Pectoralis muscle: (a) the upper pectoralis is targeted by the incline bench press; (b) the middle pectoralis is targeted by the
flat bench press; and (c) the lower pectoralis is targeted by the decline bench press.
TABLE 5.10 Chest Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
1
Swap pressing exercises and fly-type exercises every other workout.
Swap incline- and flat-bench exercises every other workout.
2
Choose one incline- and one flat-bench exercise every workout.
First: A pressing exercise*
Second: A fly-type exercise
Swap the incline movement from the pressing exercise to the flytype exercise every other workout.
Perform one decline exercise or the cable crossover at least once
every other week.
Three-day training split
3
First: A barbell exercise*
Second: A dumbbell press
Third: A fly-type exercise
Alternate incline and flat benches for the first two exercises every
other workout.
The third exercise should match the type of incline used for the first.
Perform one decline exercise or the cable crossover at least once
every other week.
Four-day training split
4
First: A barbell exercise*
Second: A dumbbell press
Third: A dumbbell fly exercise
Fourth: A machine or cable fly-type exercise
Alternate incline and flat benches for the first two exercises every
other workout.
The third exercise should match the type of incline used for the first.
Perform one decline exercise or the cable crossover at least once
every other week.
Five-day training split
4-5
First: A barbell exercise*
Second: A barbell or a dumbbell press
Third: A dumbbell press exercise if doing five exercises total; if doing
only four exercises total, the third should be a dumbbell fly exercise
Fourth: A dumbbell, machine, or cable fly-type exercise
Fifth: A machine or cable fly-type exercise
Alternate incline, flat, and decline benches for the first three
exercises every other workout.
The fourth exercise should match the type of incline used for the first.
Twice-a-day training
4
First: A barbell exercise*
split
Second: A dumbbell press
Third: A dumbbell fly exercise
Fourth: A machine or cable fly-type exercise
Alternate incline and flat benches for the first two exercises every
other workout.
The third exercise should match the type of incline used for the first.
Perform one decline exercise or the cable crossover at least once
every other week.
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Total
sets
3-6
6-8
6-12
8-16
10-20
8-16
*Can supplement Smith machine version here.
55
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Shoulders
The shoulders refer to the deltoid muscles found
on top of the upper arm. The deltoid is composed
of three heads that originate on different points
of the shoulder girdle but all converge on one
common tendon that inserts on the humerus
(upper arm bone). The three heads are the anterior deltoid (front head), the middle deltoid, and
the posterior deltoid (rear head). Although these
three heads work together to lift the upper arm
at the shoulder joint, such as during the lateral
raise, each head is stressed differently by different exercises (see figure 5.2). That is why it is
important to structure shoulder workouts around
basic multijoint movements (such as the shoulder
press) that hit all three heads as well as isolation
exercises (such as front raise for the anterior
head, lateral raise or upright row for the middle
head, and rear deltoid raise for the posterior head).
Refer to chapter 15 for detailed descriptions of all
shoulder exercises. See table 5.11 for guidelines
for designing a shoulder workout based on the
current training split being used.
a
b
c
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.02/496100/alw/R1-pulled
a
b
c
FIGURE 5.2 Deltoid muscle: (a) the anterior head is targeted by the front raise; (b) the middle head is targeted by the lateral raise; and
(c) the posterior head is targeted by the bent-over lateral raise.
TABLE 5.11 Shoulder Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
1
Swap pressing exercises and isolation exercises every other workout.
Frequently swap between barbell* and dumbbell pressing exercises.
Periodically swap upright rows for lateral raises.
Try to perform a rear deltoid exercise for the isolation exercise at
least once a month.
Upper- and lower-body
2
Choose one pressing exercise and one isolation exercise every
training split or twoworkout.
day training split
First: A pressing exercise
Second: An isolation exercise
Swap barbell pressing* exercises with dumbbell pressing exercises
every other workout.
Frequently alternate isolation exercises by switching up on lateral
raises, front raises, upright rows, and rear deltoid exercises.
Three-day training split
3
First: A pressing exercise*
Second: A lateral raise or upright row exercise
Third: A front raise or a rear deltoid exercise
Alternate barbell* and dumbbell presses for the first exercises
every other workout.
Alternate upright row and lateral raise exercises every other workout.
Alternate front raise and rear deltoid exercises every other workout.
Four-day training split
4
First: A pressing exercise*
Second: A lateral raise or upright row exercise
Third: A front raise exercise
Fourth: A rear deltoid exercise
Alternate barbell* and dumbbell presses for the first exercises
every other workout.
Alternate upright row and lateral raise exercises every other workout.
Five-day training split
4
First: A pressing exercise*
Second: A lateral raise or upright row exercise
Third: A front raise exercise
Fourth: A rear deltoid exercise
Alternate barbell* and dumbbell presses for the first exercises
every other workout.
Alternate upright row and lateral raise exercises every other workout.
Twice-a-day training
4
First: A pressing exercise*
split
Second: A lateral raise or upright row exercise
Third: A front raise exercise
Fourth: A rear deltoid exercise
Alternate barbell* and dumbbell presses for the first exercises
every other workout.
Alternate upright row and lateral raise exercises every other workout.
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Total
sets
3-6
6-8
6-12
8-16
8-16
8-16
*Can supplement Smith machine version here.
57
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Back
Back refers to the muscles that make up the backside of the torso. Although the term back refers
mostly to the large latissimus dorsi muscles, or
lats, that run from the upper arms all the way down
to the buttocks (see figure 5.3), it can also include
the teres major, the rhomboids, and even the middle
and lower portions of the trapezius, because these
muscles are often involved in performing exercises
that are considered back exercises. The two major
types of lat exercises are the pulling exercises (which
include pull-ups and pulldowns) and rowing exercises
(which include bent-over barbell rows, T-bar rows, and
seated cable rows). Pull-up and pulldown exercises
tend to concentrate more on the upper and outer
lats as well as the teres major. Rowing exercises
tend to concentrate more on the middle and lower
lats as well as the rhomboids and middle trapezius
muscles. Other types of lat exercises are the pullover
and straight-arm pulldown. For detailed descriptions
of all back exercises, refer to chapter 16. See table
5.12 for basic guidelines for designing a back workout based on the current training split used.
The term back also refers to the musculature of
the low back. The muscles in the lower back are
those that support the spinal column and allow it
to extend back, such as when you recline in a chair.
These are deeper muscle fibers such as the spinal
erectors, which include the longissimus thoracis,
iliocostalis lumborum, and spinalis thoracis. Exercises that train the low back are back extension
exercises and good mornings.
a
a
b
b
FIGURE 5.3 Back musculature: (a) the upper and outer lats are worked by the lat pulldown, and (b) the lower and middle lats
are worked by the barbell row.
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.03/496101/alw/R3-pulled
TABLE 5.12 Back Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Three-day training split
Four-day training split
Five-day training split
Twice-a-day training
split
Number of
Total
exercises Exercise order
sets
1
Swap pulling exercises and rowing exercises every other workout.
3-6
At least once a month include a pullover or straight-arm pulldown
exercise.
It’s also wise to include one low-back exercise once a week.
2
Choose one pulling and one rowing exercise every workout (swap
6-8
the order every week).
Occasionally replace the pulling exercise with a straight-arm
pulldown or pullover exercise.
It’s also wise to include one low-back exercise once a week.
3
Choose one pulling and one rowing exercise as the first two
6-12
exercises every other workout (swap the order every week).
The third exercise should be a straight-arm pulldown or pullover
exercise.
It’s also wise to include one low-back exercise once a week.
4
Choose one pulling and one rowing exercise as the first two
8-16
exercises every other workout (swap the order every week).
Third: A pulling or rowing exercise (swap the exercise choice every
other week)
Fourth: A straight-arm pulldown or pullover exercise
It’s also wise to include one low-back exercise once a week.
4-5
Choose one pulling and one rowing exercise as the first two
10-20
exercises every other workout (swap the order every week).
Third: A pulling or rowing exercise (swap the exercise choice every
other week)
Fourth: A straight-arm pulldown or pullover exercise
Fifth: A low-back exercise
4
Choose one pulling and one rowing exercise as the first two
8-16
exercises every other workout (swap the order every week).
Third: A pulling or rowing exercise (swap the exercise choice every
other week)
Fourth: A straight-arm pulldown or pullover exercise
It’s also wise to include one low-back exercise once a week.
59
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Trapezius
The trapezius is the large diamond-shaped muscle
on the upper back, often referred to as traps. This
muscle has upper, middle, and lower portions that
all perform different movements (see figure 5.4).
The upper trapezius primarily lifts and rotates
the shoulder blades upward as when shrugging
the shoulders (such as during dumbbell shrugs).
The middle trapezius primarily pulls the shoulder
blades together (such as during face pulls). The
lower trapezius rotates the shoulder blades downward (such as when lifting a barbell overhead with
straight arms like during the snatch). Trapezius
training can be paired with shoulders or back.
Most bodybuilders train the traps after shoulders
because their primary interest is in developing the
upper portion of the traps. The upper traps are
involved in most deltoid exercises. Therefore, they
are sufficiently warmed up after training shoulders.
However, because it is technically a back muscle
and assists during many back exercises, upper
traps are often trained with back. Most lifters typically pick one or two exercises for trap workouts
and perform three to eight sets. If both a barbell
and a dumbbell trap exercise are done in the same
workout, the barbell exercise is typically done first.
For detailed descriptions of trapezius exercises,
see chapter 17.
a
b
c
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.04/496102/alw/R3-pulled
a
b
c
FIGURE 5.4 Trapezius muscle: (a) the upper traps are worked by the barbell shrug; (b) the middle traps are worked by the facepull; and
(c) the lower traps are worked by the prone front raise.
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
Triceps
The triceps consist of three muscle heads that are
on the back of the upper arm. The three heads of
the triceps are the lateral head, long head, and
medial head (see figure 5.5). Each head has a
distinct attachment on the upper end, but they
all meet at one common tendon that crosses the
elbow and attaches on the ulna. Contracting the
triceps results in extension at the elbow such as
the motion the arm makes when hammering.
The two types of triceps exercises are compound
movements and isolation movements. Compound
61
triceps exercises involve extension at the elbow
and movement at the shoulder. These include
close-grip bench presses and dips. Isolation triceps exercises involve just extension at the elbow
with no other joint movement, such as dumbbell
kickbacks. When choosing triceps exercises, you
should include some compound exercises, which
are beneficial for adding on overall triceps mass,
as well as a good variety of isolation exercises.
The isolation exercises you choose should hit the
three different triceps heads. While you may not be
able to do this in every workout, depending on your
split, you should try to rotate your exercise selection
from workout to workout to hit the different heads.
b
a
c
a
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.05/496103/alw/R1-pulled
b
c
FIGURE 5.5 Triceps: (a) the long head is targeted by the overhead triceps extension; (b) the lateral head is targeted by the
dumbbell kickback; and (c) the medial head is targeted by the reverse-grip cable pressdown.
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Although every triceps exercise hits all three
heads to some degree, certain ones are better
than others at stressing the different heads
because of the biomechanics involved. Because
the long head of the triceps attaches to the scapula (shoulder blade), it is more strongly contracted
during exercises where the arms are brought
overhead or in front of the body. This is because
that action stretches the long head. Muscles
contract the strongest when they are stretched to
their longest length. Therefore, exercises that are
done overhead such as overhead extensions (with
dumbbells, barbells, or cables) best stress the long
head of the triceps. Exercises that place the arms
in front of the body, such as lying triceps extensions (with barbells, dumbbells, or cables) also
hit the long head to some degree. Extensions that
are done with the arms at the sides of the torso
while holding a neutral or overhand grip—such as
triceps pressdowns and dumbbell kickbacks—best
target the lateral triceps head. The same exercises
done with an underhand grip seem to stress the
medial head. For detailed descriptions of all triceps
exercises, go to chapter 18. Refer to table 5.13
for basic guidelines for designing a triceps workout
based on the current training split used.
TABLE 5.13 Triceps Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
1
Swap compound and isolation exercises every other workout.
Rotate isolation exercises to target all three triceps heads.
2
Choose one compound and one isolation exercise every workout.
First: A compound exercise (alternate between pressing and dipping
exercises every other workout)
Second: An isolation exercise (rotate isolation exercises to target
all three triceps heads)
Three-day training split
3
Choose one compound and two isolation exercises every workout.
First: A compound exercise (alternate between pressing and dipping
exercises every other workout)
Second: An overhead or lying extension (alternate between the two
every other workout)
Third: An extension done with the arms held at the sides (alternate
between overhand, neutral, and underhand grips on different workouts)
Four-day training split
3-4
Choose one compound and two or three isolation exercises every
workout.
First: A compound exercise (alternate between pressing and dipping
exercises every other workout)
Second: An overhead or lying extension (alternate between the two
every other workout if doing only three exercises)
Third: If doing four exercises total, an overhead or lying extension (if
the second exercise is an overhead extension the third should be a
lying extension, and vice versa); if doing only three exercises total,
the third should be an extension with the arms held at the sides
Fourth: An extension with the arms held at the sides (alternate between
overhand, neutral, and underhand grips on different workouts)
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Total
sets
2-4
4-8
6-12
6-16
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
Training split
Five-day training split
Twice-a-day training
split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
3-4
Choose one compound and two or three isolation exercises every
workout.
First: A compound exercise (alternate between pressing and dipping
exercises every other workout)
Second: An overhead or lying extension (alternate between the two
every other workout if doing only three exercises)
Third: If doing four exercises total, an overhead or lying extension (if
the second exercise is an overhead extension the third should be a
lying extension and vice versa); if doing only three exercises total,
the third should be an extension with the arms held at the sides
Fourth: An extension with the arms held at the sides (alternate between
overhand, neutral, and underhand grips on different workouts)
3-4
Choose one compound and two or three isolation exercises every
workout.
First: A compound exercise (alternate between pressing and dipping
exercises every other workout)
Second: An overhead or lying extension (alternate between the two
every other workout if doing only three exercises)
Third: If doing four exercises total, an overhead or lying extension (if
the second exercise is an overhead extension, the third should be a
lying extension, and vice versa); if doing only three exercises total,
the third should be an extension with the arms held at the sides
Fourth: An extension with the arms held at the sides (alternate between
overhand, neutral, and underhand grips on different workouts)
Biceps
Biceps refers to two muscle heads that run down
the front of the upper arm that are called the
biceps brachii (see figure 5.6). The two heads are
the long head (or outer head) and the short head
(or inner head). The major difference between
them is where each muscle attaches on the
scapula (shoulder blade). The tendon of the long
head attaches farther back on the scapula than
the short head. This is why they are referred to
as long head and short head. Both biceps heads
converge into one tendon near the elbow, and
this attaches to the radius to cause flexion of the
elbow when the muscles contract, such as when
curling a dumbbell.
To flex the elbow, the biceps brachii receives help
from the assistance muscle called the brachialis.
This muscle lies underneath the biceps muscles
and starts at the humerus (upper arm bone) and
attaches to the ulna. The bulk of this muscle is
lower than the bulk of the biceps muscle, which
allows it to offer the most help during the first 30
degrees of elbow flexion. The brachialis is also
63
Total
sets
6-16
6-16
strongly involved in elbow flexion when the hands
maintain an overhand grip on the bar. The brachioradialis, although considered a forearm muscle,
also helps at the initiation of elbow flexion. It is
strongly involved in elbow flexion when the hand is
in a neutral position, such as during hammer curls.
With the exception of underhand chin-ups, there
are no compound exercises for biceps. Even the
underhand chin-up is considered a back exercise.
Therefore, almost all true biceps exercises are
single-joint or isolation exercises. However, the
exercises you choose should stress the different
biceps heads as well as the brachialis, which helps
to make the biceps appear larger (particularly the
lower portion) when it is properly developed. For
detailed descriptions of all biceps exercises, refer
to chapter 19. For basic guidelines for designing
biceps workouts based on the current training split
used, see table 5.14. Most exercise choices for
the biceps workout should be underhand (supinated) grip curls, such as barbell curls, dumbbell
curls, and preacher curls. With barbell curls you
should frequently change your grip to stress the
heads differently. Doing curls with a closer grip
64
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
a
b
c
(hip width or closer) puts more stress on the long
head of the biceps—the part of the biceps that
is responsible for the peak that is seen when a
bodybuilder flexes the biceps. Also consider alternating between using a straight barbell and an EZ
curl bar. The EZ curl bar places the hands halfway
between an underhand and a neutral grip. This
places greater emphasis on the long head of the
biceps. Therefore, doing hammer curls (using a
neutral grip) with dumbbells or a rope attachment
emphasizes the long head of the biceps in addition to the brachialis and brachioradialis (forearm
muscle on the thumb side of the forearm) muscles. Another exercise that hits the brachialis and
brachioradialis and, to a lesser extent, the biceps
is reverse-grip curls with a pronated grip. One other
way to place greater emphasis on the long head is
by doing dumbbell curls while sitting back on an
incline between 30 and 60 degrees. This position
stretches the long head of the biceps to put it in
its strongest position for contraction.
To emphasize the short head, you can do the
opposite of the incline curl and do curls on a
preacher bench. This places the arms in front of the
body, which shortens the long head and reduces its
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.06/496104/alw/R1-pulled
a
b
c
FIGURE 5.6 Biceps: (a) the long head is targeted by the EZ bar curl; (b) the short head is targeted by the preacher curl; and (c) the brachialis, located beneath the biceps, is targeted by the reverse curl.
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
65
TABLE 5.14 Biceps Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Three-day training split
Four-day training split
Five-day training split
Twice-a-day training
split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
1
The majority of exercise choices should be basic underhand curls.
Frequently alter the type of curl from workout to workout to hit
each biceps head differently as well as the brachialis.
2
First: A basic underhand curl (alternate every workout for variety)
Second: Should target the long head or the short head (alternate
between long-head and short-head exercises)
Periodically swap the second exercise with a brachialis exercise.
3
First: A basic underhand curl (alternate every workout for variety)
Second: Should target the long head or the short head (alternate
every workout between long-head and short-head exercises)
Third: A brachialis exercise
3-4
First: A basic underhand curl (alternate every workout for variety)
Second: Should target the long head or the short head (if doing
only three exercises total, alternate every workout between longhead and short-head exercises)
Third: If doing four exercises total, an exercise that stresses the
long head or short head (opposite of what the second exercise
stressed); if doing three exercises total, the third should target
the brachialis
Fourth: A brachialis exercise
3-4
First: A basic underhand curl (alternate every workout for variety)
Second: Should target the long head or the short head (if doing
only three exercises total, alternate every workout between longhead and short-head exercises)
Third: If doing four exercises total, an exercise that stresses the
long head or short head (opposite of what the second exercise
stressed); if doing three exercises total, the third should target
the brachialis
Fourth: A brachialis exercise
3-4
First: A basic underhand curl (alternate every workout for variety)
Second: Should target the long head or the short head (if doing
only three exercises total, alternate every workout between longhead and short-head exercises)
Third: If doing four exercises total, an exercise that stresses the
long head or short head (opposite of what the second exercise
stressed); if doing three exercises total, the third should target
the brachialis
Fourth: A brachialis exercise
contraction strength. Other ways to stress the short
head are to do curls with a wider grip (shoulder
width and wider) or to perform supination during
dumbbell curls. Supination requires the movement
of the hand from a neutral position to an underhand position while curling. The order in which you
stagger your biceps exercises is not as critical as
involving a variety of movements that emphasize
both biceps heads as well as the brachialis.
Total
sets
2-4
4-8
6-12
6-16
6-16
6-16
Since the brachioradialis and other forearm
muscles are involved in assisting most biceps
exercises, it is wise to train the forearms after
the biceps. Doing hammer curls and reversegrip curls at the end of your biceps workout is a
smart way to segue from a biceps workout into
a forearm workout. These exercises involve the
brachialis and biceps as well as the brachioradialis muscle.
66
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Forearms
whole-body, upper- and lower-body, or two-day split,
you may consider skipping specific forearm work
and relying on the fact that the forearm muscles are
used during back and biceps exercises. For basic
guidelines for designing forearm workouts based
on the current training split used, see table 5.15.
The forearms are the muscles that make up the
entire lower arm. Though you do not need to familiarize yourself with all the different forearm muscles
shown in figure 5.7, you should recognize the difference in those referred to as the wrist flexor group
and those referred to as the wrist extensor group.
The wrist flexor group is composed of forearm muscles that perform wrist flexion—the movement of the
palms toward the inner forearm, such as during a
wrist curl. The wrist extensors, on the other hand,
are involved in performing wrist extension—moving
the back of the hand toward the back of the forearm,
such as when you twist the throttle on a motorcycle.
It is wise to train the forearms after the biceps
because they are used so strongly during all
biceps exercises. Typically, choosing one wrist
curl (flexion) exercise and one reverse wrist curl
(extension) exercise is sufficient for working the
forearm muscles after biceps, especially if reversegrip or hammer-grip curls were performed. If grip
strength is a limiting factor on back and biceps
exercises, including a specific grip exercise may be
warranted. The grip exercise should be done before
the wrist curl and reverse wrist curl exercises. For
a complete listing and detailed descriptions of all
forearm exercises, see chapter 20. If training with a
a
b
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.07/496105/alw/R1-pulled
a
b
FIGURE 5.7 Forearm muscles: (a) the flexor muscles are worked by the wrist curl, and (b) the extensor
muscles are worked by the reverse wrist curl.
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
67
TABLE 5.15 Forearm Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Three-day training split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
1
Alternate wrist curl exercises and reverse wrist curl exercises
every other workout.
1
Alternate wrist curl exercises and reverse wrist curl exercises
every other workout.
2
Four-day training split
2
Five-day training split
2
Twice-a-day training
split
2
Choose one wrist curl and one reverse wrist curl exercise every
workout; alternate the order every other workout.
Frequently change the type of wrist curl and reverse wrist curl
exercises.
Choose one wrist curl and one reverse wrist curl exercise every
workout; alternate the order every other workout.
Frequently change the type of wrist curl and reverse wrist curl
exercises.
Choose one wrist curl and one reverse wrist curl exercise every
workout; alternate the order every other workout.
Frequently change the type of wrist curl and reverse wrist curl
exercises.
Choose one wrist curl and one reverse wrist curl exercise every
workout; alternate the order every other workout.
Frequently change the type of wrist curl and reverse wrist curl
exercises.
Quadriceps
The quadriceps are the four muscles that make up
the front of the thigh. The vastus lateralis, vastus
medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris
all originate from different attachment points on
the thigh and hip bone, but they all converge on one
common tendon to perform knee extension, such
as when you kick a ball (see figure 5.8). Because
the rectus femoris originates on the hipbone, not
the femur (thigh bone) as with the other three quadriceps muscles, it also is involved in hip flexion,
such as when you lift your knee up. Although all
four muscles work together to straighten the knee,
certain exercises are better for targeting specific
parts of the quad. For instance, the leg extension
best targets the rectus femoris muscle. However,
doing leg extensions with the toes turned in places
more stress on the outer quad (vastus lateralis),
and doing leg extensions with the toes pointed
out better targets the inner quads (vastus medialis). The leg press hits all four quad muscles, but
research shows that the emphasis is on the medialis muscle. Conversely, the hack squat tends to
place more emphasis on the outer quads (vastus
lateralis). Squats and lunges, however, hit the
Total
sets
2-4
2-4
4-8
4-8
4-8
4-8
four quadriceps muscles fairly evenly, along with
the leg adductors, hamstrings, gluteus maximus,
and other muscles. For detailed descriptions of all
quadriceps exercises, see chapter 21.
For maximizing leg size, you should start your
quadriceps workout with one or two squat exercises
(with barbells, Smith machine, or dumbbells) or leg
press exercises, depending on the type of split you
are training with. These exercises are compound
exercises that involve extension at the knees and
hips. Therefore, they use not only the quadriceps
muscles but also the hamstring and gluteus maximus muscles (powerful hip extensors). Because
these large muscle groups work together to perform
the exercise, they provide great strength. This is
the reason that these exercises should be at the
beginning of your leg workout. You should train
these muscles when they are at their strongest so
that the greatest amount of weight can be used for
stimulating the most muscle growth.
With the squat and leg press exercises you
should routinely alter your foot position to slightly
change the specific muscle fibers that are used
during the exercise. Although squats hit all four
quadriceps muscles pretty equally, slightly greater
emphasis can be directed to certain muscles by
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
changing the distance the feet are spaced apart.
It is generally agreed that squats done with the
feet close together place slightly more emphasis
on the outer quads than squats done with the feet
shoulder-width apart. Conversely, when squats are
done with the feet spaced much wider than shoulder width, greater emphasis is placed on the inner
d
quad and adductor muscles. However, one study
suggested that little difference in the use of the
medialis or lateralis was observed with a wide or
narrow stance (Paoli, A., et al. 2009). Squats done
on a Smith machine or on a squat machine allow
you to change not only the width of your feet but
also the distance they are out in front of your hips.
c
b
a
a
b
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.08/496106/alw/R1-pulled
c
d
FIGURE 5.8 Quadriceps muscle: (a) the vastus medialis is worked by the leg press; (b) the vastus lateralis is worked by the
hack squat; (c) the vastus intermedius, located underneath the rectus femoris, is worked by the squat; and (d) the rectus femoris is worked by the leg extension.
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
For these exercises the same rules apply in regard
to how wide the feet are spaced apart. It also is
possible to reduce the emphasis on the quadriceps
and increase the emphasis on the hamstrings and
gluteus maximus by moving the feet farther forward
from the hips. The farther the feet are placed in
front of the hips, the greater the stress placed on
the hamstrings and gluteus maximus and the less
stress the quadriceps receive.
The leg press, on the other hand, reduces the
amount of stress placed on the hamstrings and
gluteus maximus and maximizes the stress placed
on the quadriceps; the majority of stress hits the
vastus medialis muscle. This is due to the seated
position of the angled leg press. The seated position keeps the hips flexed at about 90 degrees
when the legs are fully extended. Since the hamstrings and gluteus maximus are involved in extension of the hips during compound leg movements,
their involvement is minimized on the leg press.
It’s optimal to include some form of lunging or
stepping exercises to train the legs unilaterally.
Because these exercises are compound movements done one leg at a time, they require a
69
lot of stabilization from small and large muscle
groups. That means they use most of the leg
muscles including the quads, hamstrings, glutes,
and adductor and abductor muscles. Not only do
these types of exercises help develop overall size
of the thigh muscles, but they also build functional
strength, which transfers to more strength on other
exercises, such as squats.
The only type of isolation exercise for quadriceps
is leg extension exercises, where the only movement that occurs is extension at the knee. This
focuses a good deal of the stress on the rectus
femoris muscle, although you can encourage more
involvement from the vastus lateralis or vastus
medialis by altering the position of the feet, as
described previously. You should perform leg
extension exercises at the end of the quadriceps
workout after you perform the more demanding
compound exercises. However, some bodybuilders prefer to warm up their quads before heavy
compound exercises by doing several light sets of
leg extensions. For basic guidelines for designing
quadriceps workouts based on the current training
split used, see table 5.16.
TABLE 5.16 Quadriceps Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Three-day training split
Four-day training split
Number of
Total
exercises Exercise order
sets
1
Swap squat exercises, leg press or machine squat exercises,
3-6
lunge or step exercises, and leg extension exercises each
workout.
2
Choose one compound exercise (such as squat, leg press or
6-8
machine squat, or lunge or step exercise) and one leg extension
exercise every workout.
First: A compound exercise (alternate different ones every other
workout)
Second: An isolation exercise
3
Choose two compound exercises and one leg extension exercise
9-12
every workout.
First: A squat exercise
Second: A leg press or machine squat or lunge or step exercise
Third: A leg extension exercise
4
Choose three compound exercises and one leg extension exercise 12-16
every workout.
First: A squat exercise
Second: A leg press or machine squat exercise
Third: A lunge or step exercise
Fourth: A leg extension exercise
> continued
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 5.16 Quadriceps Training Guidelines Based on Training Split (continued)
Training split
Five-day training split
Twice-a-day training
split
Number of
Total
exercises Exercise order
sets
4-5
Choose three or four compound exercises and one leg extension 12-20
exercise every workout.
First: A squat exercise
Second: If doing four exercises total, do a leg press or machine
squat exercise; if doing five exercises total, the second can be
another squat or a leg press
Third: If doing only four exercises total, do a lunge or step
exercise; if doing five exercises and the second is a squat, the
third could be a leg press exercise; if doing five exercises and
the second is a leg press, the third could be a squat machine
exercise or a lunge exercise
Fourth: If doing only four exercises total, do a leg extension
exercise; if doing five exercises and the third is a leg press or
squat machine exercise, the fourth could be a lunge or step
exercise; if doing five exercises and the third is a lunge, the
fourth should be a step exercise
Fifth: A leg extension exercise
4
Choose three compound exercises and one leg extension exercise 12-16
every workout.
First: A squat exercise
Second: A leg press or machine squat exercise
Third: A lunge or step exercise
Fourth: A leg extension exercise
Hamstrings and Gluteus Maximus
The hamstrings are the muscles on the back of
the thigh. The gluteus maximus, also referred to
as the glutes, are the large buttock muscles. The
glutes are involved in extending the legs back
(as when standing up from a seated position)
and kicking the legs back behind the body. The
hamstrings are composed of the biceps femoris,
the semitendinosus, and the semimembranosus.
Collectively the hamstring muscles not only flex
the knee, as when you bend your knee, but they
also work in conjunction with the glutes to extend
the legs at the hips (see figure 5.9).
Although compound quadriceps exercises like
the squat, hack squat, lunge, and step-up are traditionally considered quadriceps exercises, they
also largely involve the glutes and the hamstring
muscles. For this reason, most bodybuilders perform fewer hamstring exercises than quadriceps
exercises.
Even though the hamstrings involve three different muscles that work together to perform leg
flexion and hip extension, specific exercises better
target each muscle. The Romanian deadlift hits the
entire hamstring fairly evenly along with the glutes
because of the hip extension involved in this exercise. The biceps femoris is better targeted with
lying and standing leg curls. The semitendinosus
and semimembranosus, on the other hand, are
better targeted with seated leg curls. Therefore,
a thorough hamstring workout should include one
exercise that involves hip extension (such as the
Romanian deadlift) and knee flexion (such as the
leg curl). For a complete listing and detailed descriptions of all hamstring exercises, see chapter 22. If
following a whole-body training split, you may forfeit
specific hamstring exercises since the compound
quadriceps exercises also use the hamstrings
and glutes very strongly. For basic guidelines for
designing hamstring and glute workouts based on
the current training split used, see table 5.17.
c
c
a
a
b
b
a
E6002/Stoppani/fig
5.09/496107/alw/R1-pulled
E6002/Stoppani/fig
5.09/496107/alw/R1-pulled
b
c
FIGURE 5.9 Hamstrings and gluteus muscles: (a) the biceps femoris is targeted by the lying leg curl; (b) the semitendinosus
and semimembranosus are targeted by the seated leg curl; and (c) the glutes are targeted by the Romanian deadlift.
TABLE 5.17 Hamstrings and Glutes Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Three-day training split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
1
Alternate hip extension exercises and leg curl exercises every
other workout.
2
First: A hip extension exercise
Second: A leg curl exercise
Frequently change the type of hip extension and leg curl exercises
used.
2
First: A hip extension exercise
Second: A leg curl exercise
Frequently change the type of hip extension and leg curl exercises
used.
Total
sets
2-4
4-8
4-8
> continued
71
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 5.17 Hamstrings and Glutes Training Guidelines Based on Training Split (continued)
Training split
Four-day training split
Five-day training split
Twice-a-day training
split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
2-3
First: A hip extension exercise
Second: A leg curl exercise (whether doing two or three total
exercises)
Third: Another leg curl exercise
Frequently change the type of hip extension and leg curl exercises
used.
2-3
First: A hip extension exercise
Second: A leg curl exercise (whether doing two or three total
exercises)
Third: Another leg curl exercise
Frequently change the type of hip extension and leg curl exercises
used.
2-3
First: A hip extension exercise
Second: A leg curl exercise (whether doing two or three total
exercises)
Third: Another leg curl exercise
Frequently change the type of hip extension and leg curl exercises
used.
Calves
Calves refer to two separate muscles on the
lower leg. These muscles are the gastrocnemius
(a muscle shaped like an upside-down heart) and
the soleus (a muscle that lies underneath the
gastrocnemius), as shown in figure 5.10. Both
muscles perform extension at the ankle, such as
when you stand up on your toes.
Certain exercises are better than others at
targeting the two calf muscles. For detailed
descriptions of all calf exercises, refer to chapter
23. Standing calf raises, or any calf raise that
involves a fairly straight knee, is better at focusing
the stress to the gastrocnemius. The soleus, on
the other hand, is better targeted with seated calf
raises or any calf raise that is performed with the
knee bent to about 90 degrees.
Total
sets
4-12
4-12
4-12
The best way to train calves is to include one
or two exercises that target the gastrocnemius
muscle and one exercise that targets the soleus
muscle. Most bodybuilders train their calves after
thighs. Some also include a second or third workout of the calves if they do not train legs twice a
week. The reason for this is that the calves, particularly the soleus, are made up of a slightly higher
percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibers. These
muscle fibers have a high-endurance capacity and
recover more quickly than fast-twitch muscle fibers.
This is also the reason that many bodybuilders
train their calves with very high reps (20 to 30 reps
per set). However, the best way to train calves is
with the use of a periodized program that cycles
the number of reps performed. For basic guidelines
for designing calf workouts based on the current
training split used, see table 5.18.
a
b
a
b
FIGURE 5.10 Calf muscles: (a) the gastrocnemius is targeted by the standing calf raise, and (b) the soleus is targeted by the seated
calf
raise.
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.10/496108/alw/R1-pulled
TABLE 5.18 Calf Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Three-day training split
Four-day training split
Five-day training split
Twice-a-day training
split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
1
Alternate gastrocnemius exercises and soleus exercises every
other workout.
2
First: A gastrocnemius exercise (frequently change the type)
Second: A soleus exercise (on occasion perform the soleus
exercise first)
2
First: A gastrocnemius exercise (frequently change the type)
Second: A soleus exercise (on occasion perform the soleus
exercise first)
2-3
First: A gastrocnemius exercise (frequently change the type)
Second: If doing only two exercises, do a soleus exercise (on
occasion perform the soleus exercise first); if doing three
exercises, the second should be a gastrocnemius exercise
Third: A soleus exercise (on occasion perform it first or second)
2-3
First: A gastrocnemius exercise (frequently change the type)
Second: If doing only two exercises, do a soleus exercise (on
occasion perform the soleus exercise first); if doing three
exercises, the second should be a gastrocnemius exercise
Third: A soleus exercise (on occasion perform it first or second)
2-3
First: A gastrocnemius exercise (frequently change the type)
Second: If doing only two exercises, do a soleus exercise (on
occasion perform the soleus exercise first); if doing three
exercises, the second should be a gastrocnemius exercise
Third: A soleus exercise (on occasion perform it first or second)
Total
sets
3-6
6-10
6-10
6-12
6-12
6-12
73
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Abdominals
Abdominals refer to four muscles that are on the
midsection, informally called abs by most bodybuilders. These include the rectus abdominis, the
external obliques, the internal obliques, and the
transverse abdominis (see figure 5.11). The best
abdominal program uses exercises that target all
four areas of the abdominal region—upper abs,
lower abs, internal and external obliques, and the
transverse abdominis.
The upper abs are best targeted with crunch
exercises that involve flexing the upper spine
forward by bringing the shoulders toward the
hips, such as the standard crunch. The lower
abdominals are best trained with exercises that
involve flexing the lower spine forward by bringing
the knees toward the chest, such as hanging knee
raises. Both the internal and external obliques are
best targeted by exercises that flex the spine laterally to the left and right, such as oblique crunches.
They also are targeted with exercises that involve
flexing the spine forward and rotating it to the left
or right, such as with crossover crunches. The deep
transverse abdominis is best trained with core
exercises that force the flexing of the transverse
abdominis (pulling the navel in toward the spine)
to stabilize the spine and pelvis. For a complete
listing and detailed descriptions of all abdominal
exercises, see chapter 24.
b
a
b
c
a
b
E6002/Stoppani/fig 5.11/496109/alw/R1-pulled
c
FIGURE 5.11 Abdominal muscles: (a) the rectus abdominis is worked by the crunch; (b) the external and internal obliques are
worked by the oblique crunch; and (c) the transverse abdominis, located deep beneath the rectus abdominis and the obliques,
is worked by the plank.
Tactics for Building Muscle Mass
Most bodybuilders train the abdominals more
frequently and with higher reps than they use with
most other major muscle groups. This is because
the abdominals are postural muscles that stay
flexed for long periods to support the spine. Therefore, they tend to be slightly higher in slow-twitch
muscle fibers than the other muscle groups. Most
bodybuilders train the abdominals a minimum of
three times per week and some train them every
day. For most people, training abdominals on two
or three nonconsecutive days per week will suffice.
Because the abdominals are often trained with no
more resistance than the person’s body weight,
they are frequently trained with reps in the range
of 15 to 30. However, even abdominal training
should be periodized to cycle the rep range and
resistance used. Although many people fear that
using heavy resistance on ab exercises will make
75
the waist too big and blocky, it is essential to train
the abdominal muscles like any other muscle
group. Increasing the development of the abdominal muscles improves definition, when body fat is
low. It also helps to increase core strength, which
can cross over to help increase overall strength.
The best way to train the abdominals is by
choosing four exercises that each target a different area of the abdominals for each workout.
However, if you train with a whole-body, upper- and
lower-body, or two-day training split, you won’t have
the time to do four separate abdominal exercises.
In this case, you should choose one or two exercises that target one area of the abdominals and
rotate the abdominal region trained for every workout. For basic guidelines for designing abdominal
workouts based on the current training split used,
see table 5.19.
TABLE 5.19 Abdominal Training Guidelines Based on Training Split
Training split
Whole-body training
split
Upper- and lower-body
training split or twoday training split
Three-day training split
Four-day training split
Five-day training split
Twice-a-day training
split
Number of
exercises Exercise order
1
Alternate upper abdominal exercises, lower abdominal exercises,
oblique exercises, and core exercises every other workout.
2
Choose two exercises that target one area of the abdominals and
alternate upper-abdominal exercises, lower-abdominal exercises,
oblique exercises, and core exercises every other workout.
3
First: A lower-ab exercise (frequently change the type)
Second: An upper-ab exercise (frequently change the type)
Third: An oblique exercise
Every other ab workout, do a core exercise as the first exercise
and skip the oblique exercise.
3-4
If doing only three exercises total:
First: A lower-ab exercise
Second: An upper-ab exercise
Third: An oblique exercise
Every other ab workout, do a core exercise as the first exercise
and skip the oblique exercise.
If doing four exercises total:
First: A core exercise
Second: A lower-ab exercise
Third: An upper-ab exercise
Fourth: An oblique exercise
4
First: A core exercise
Second: A lower-ab exercise
Third: An upper-ab exercise
Fourth: An oblique exercise
4
First: A core exercise
Second: A lower-ab exercise
Third: An upper-ab exercise
Fourth: An oblique exercise
Total
sets
3-4
6-8
6-10
6-16
8-16
8-16
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CHAPTER 6
Programs for Building
Muscle Mass
Building muscle mass takes considerable time and
consistency in the gym. But one problem that arises
from consistency is that the muscles quickly adapt
to a workout when it is used for too long. To prevent
muscle adaptation from turning into stagnation, you
need to frequently expose your muscles to different
training techniques. Having numerous techniques
to draw from allows you to continually provide new
training stimuli to your muscles for optimal growth.
This chapter presents training methods that are
effective for maximizing muscle mass.
The techniques are categorized by the type of
acute variable of training that is being manipulated
in each workout. Each technique is rated on a scale
of 1 to 5 for four critical areas:
1. Time—the amount of time that a specific
workout typically takes to complete. This
helps you immediately determine whether
this training technique will fit your training
schedule. The higher the number, the
longer the workouts for that specific technique will take to complete.
2. Length—the amount of time required for
following the program consistently before
appreciable results are noticeable. This
helps you determine whether you have the
patience required in order for a certain program to demonstrate results. The higher
the number, the longer you must follow
this technique in order to realize results.
3. Difficulty—the amount of weightlifting
experience required for using the program
effectively. This helps you decide whether
you have enough training experience to
take on specific training techniques. The
higher the number, the more training experience you should have before attempting
that particular technique.
4. Results—how effective the program seems
to be for mass gains in most people. This
helps you estimate how much muscle
mass you can expect to gain with each program. The higher the number, the greater
gains in muscle mass you can expect from
a particular program.
Each training technique provides a sample workout to give you an indication of how the particular
technique can be used. Some provide details on
exercise selection, rep ranges, total sets, and
training frequency that you need to follow closely.
However, others offer just a snapshot for one
particular workout or one workout cycle. These
are just templates, and you are encouraged to
substitute your own exercises where warranted
to maintain variety.
Although you need not use every method listed
in this chapter, if you have more than a year of training experience, you should eventually try a majority
of the methods to determine those that work best
for you. Then you can cycle these techniques,
along with the basic programs covered in chapter
5, to create a periodized program that delivers the
desired results and prevents the muscles from
stagnating. Chapter 7 covers periodized schedules
for building muscle mass using the programs and
techniques covered in chapters 5 and 6. In the
programs, weights are given in pounds; please
see appendix for metric conversions.
77
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
PROGRAMS THAT
MANIPULATE SETS
The following training techniques alter the sets
performed during a workout. This can be done
by increasing the number of exercises performed
that make up one set, by limiting the number of
sets performed per muscle group, or by increasing
the number of sets performed for an exercise in a
given time. They all are effective ways to increase
your training intensity.
Superset Training
Superset training is a method that pairs exercises for agonist and antagonist muscle groups,
such as biceps and triceps, and involves performing a set for each muscle group back to back
with no scheduled rest between exercises. See
table 6.1 for sample exercise pairs that work
well for supersets. Superset workouts typically
consist of two or three exercise pairs for each
muscle group. See table 6.2 for a sample triceps
and biceps superset workout. Superset training offers several advantages over straight-set
training. The most obvious advantage is time.
Because of the limited rest between exercises,
superset workouts are generally quicker to perform than other training methods that allow rest
periods between sets and exercises. Another
advantage of supersets is that you’ll actually be
stronger in the second exercise. Research has
found that a muscle will be stronger if preceded
immediately by a contraction of its antagonist,
or opposing muscle group. For example, when
you do a superset of barbell curls and triceps
extensions, in that order, you’ll be stronger on the
triceps extension and vice versa. This happens
because normally the muscle you’re training
is somewhat limited by its antagonist. When
bench-pressing using straight sets, for instance,
the back muscles inhibit the contraction of your
pecs to a certain extent. Doing a set of rows
shortly before benching, however, lessens this
inhibitory effect, allowing your pecs to contract
more forcefully. As a result, you’ll be able to train
with more weight and get stronger and bigger.
Another benefit to superset training is enhanced
recovery. When you alternate every set of triceps
with a set of biceps, you increase blood flow to
those muscles because when you’re doing curls,
your triceps are still contracting, which increases
blood flow to them and aids in recovery. This
helps your body remove waste products and
damaged muscle tissue as a result of exercise.
Keep rest periods short between supersets (1
to 2 minutes).
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.1 Superset Training Pairs
Muscle pair
Chest and back
Shoulders and back
Biceps and triceps
Quadriceps and
hamstrings
Exercises
Bench press and barbell
row
Shoulder press and
pull-up
Barbell curl and triceps
pressdown
Leg extension and leg
curl
TABLE 6.2 Supersets for Biceps and Triceps
Exercise
Barbell curl
Superset with triceps pressdown
Preacher curl
Superset with lying triceps
extension
Seated dumbbell curl
Superset with triceps bench dip
Sets
3
3
3
3
Reps
8-10
8-10
8-12
8-10
3
3
8-12
8-12
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Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Compound-Set Training
Compound-set training is similar to superset
training except that the two exercises that are
done back to back are performed for the same
muscle group. As an example for shoulders, a
lifter would perform a set of shoulder presses and
immediately follow that set with a set of lateral
raises with no break. That equals one compound
set. After the set of lateral raises is finished, the
lifter would rest for a couple of minutes and then
start back with shoulder presses. This might
be performed for two or three compound sets.
The compound can then be followed with other
shoulder exercises that are performed either in
straight sets or as another compound set. While
the exercise choices are not that critical, there
are two strategies that are usually used with compound sets. Exercise choices can be made either
to target a different section of the desired muscle
group (such as the dumbbell shoulder press and
the bent-over lateral raise) or to target a similar
part of the muscle group (such as the dumbbell
shoulder press and the machine shoulder press).
The major benefits of compound-set training are
intensity and time. Training two exercises for one
muscle group without any rest between exercises
significantly increases the intensity of the workout
and places greater demands on the muscle fibers
being trained as well as on your entire body. It also
dramatically reduces the amount of time required
to train a muscle group. This makes it a great workout technique when you want to push a particular
muscle group beyond its comfort zone or when you
are short on time. Because compound-set training
is a very high-intensity technique, you should use
it infrequently or for short periods, because overtraining is possible if done for too long. See table
6.3 for a sample compound-set shoulder workout.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.3 Shoulder Compound Set
Exercise
Dumbbell shoulder press
Compound set with lateral raise
Front raise
Compound set with upright row
Sets
3
3
3
3
Reps
6-8
10-12
10-12
8-10
Tri-Set Training
Tri-set training is an extended compound set. It uses
three exercises for the same muscle group back
to back with no rest between sets, as opposed to
just two exercises. For smaller muscle groups like
biceps, triceps, and deltoids, one group of tri-sets
performed for two to four sets is typically enough
to train the muscle group effectively. When smart
exercise choices are selected, one tri-set can properly target all areas of most major muscle groups.
As with compound-set training, the major benefits
of tri-set training are higher-intensity training and
less training time required. Of course, it also means
that the technique should be used infrequently and
for short periods to prevent overtraining. See table
6.4 for an example of a triceps tri-set workout.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
Exercise
Triceps pressdown
Seated overhead triceps extension
Bench dip
Sets
3
3
3
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.4 Triceps Tri-Set
Reps
8-10
6-8
8-12
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Giant-Set Training
Giant-set training is similar to compound-set and
tri-set training in that multiple exercises are done
for a single muscle group back to back with no rest
between sets. The difference is in the number of
exercises performed. Giant sets incorporate four
or more exercises. Giant sets or tri-sets are a great
way to quickly hit any muscle group from a variety
of angles. The benefits are similar to those of
compound and tri-sets. See table 6.5 for a sample
giant-set routine for abs.
Without taking a rest, perform one set of each
exercise listed. Then rest for a few minutes and
follow the exercise order again.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.5 Giant Set for Abdominals
Exercise
Hanging knee raise
Crossover crunch
Reverse crunch
Cable crunch
Sets
3
3
3
3
Reps
15
20
15
12
High-Intensity Training
High-intensity training (HIT) is a method based on
the one-set training concept that was popularized
by Arthur Jones (founder of Nautilus) and professional bodybuilder Mike Mentzer. The foundation
of this training method involves very low volume
and very high intensity. Most followers do as few
as one set per exercise and only one to three exercises per muscle group (see table 6.6). Intensity
for this technique is not so much about the weight
used but about training beyond the point of muscle
failure. Every set must be taken beyond failure
with the use of forced reps, negative-rep training,
and even partial-rep training (where as much of
the range of motion of the exercise is performed
until the weight cannot be budged). The theory
behind HIT is that if multiple sets of an exercise
are performed, every set cannot be trained with
maximal intensity. By doing one and only one set
of an exercise, you have a better chance of training
with maximal intensity.
Volume is also kept low with HIT to minimize
the time spent in the gym. Because volume is low
with HIT, it allows the lifter to follow a whole-body
training split or a two-day training split, depending
on whether the lifter wants to train each muscle
group two or three times per week.
There is no research to specifically support the
theory of HIT, and anecdotal reports are varied.
Some lifters experience considerable gains in
strength and muscle mass. But for most, the
progress soon comes to a halt. The problem may
lie in the fact that volume is an acute variable
that does not get manipulated in this program.
Therefore, following HIT for only four to six weeks
would be a smart way to use it. After training with
HIT you should switch to a training program that
uses fairly high volume. The sample HIT program
in table 6.6 is a two-day split done twice a week.
In this program, each set should be preceded with
one short warm-up set before each exercise with
approximately 50 percent of the weight you will use
for the main working set. Do only about four to six
reps with this lighter weight. Perform each set to
muscle failure and have a spotter help you perform
three or four forced reps after reaching muscle
failure. Resist the negative portion of the forced
reps for added intensity and consider attempting
a few partial reps at the very end of the set.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
81
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
TABLE 6.6 Big HIT Workout
MONDAY AND THURSDAY
Exercise
Sets
Barbell incline bench press
1
Dumbbell pullover
1
Dumbbell fly
1
Barbell shoulder press
1
Dumbbell lateral raise
1
Dumbbell shrug
1
Barbell row
1
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY
Reps
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
Exercise
Squat
Leg extension
Leg curl
Standing calf raise
Barbell biceps curl
Seated incline curl
Triceps dip
Triceps pressdown
Hanging knee raise
Sets
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Reps
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-12
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
10-15
Nubret Pro-Set Method
This method, named after International Federation
of Bodybuilding and fitness professional bodybuilder
Serge Nubret of France, incorporates a progression
method that increases the number of sets done on
an exercise with each workout. It also requires that
you do that in the same amount of time as for the
previous workout. For example, if you do three sets
of barbell curls for 10 reps in five minutes in one
workout, you must try to get four sets of 10 reps in
five minutes in the following workouts until you reach
that goal. The only way to do more sets in the same
amount of time is to reduce your rest period between
sets. Therefore, this method increases strength and
muscle mass by enhancing the ability of the muscles
to recover between sets. The best way to use this
technique is to do it first in your workout using one
exercise for each muscle group. See table 6.7 for
a sample progression of the Nubret pro-set workout
in which the lifter required four weeks to increase
his total work from three sets of 10 in five minutes
to four sets of 10 in five minutes.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
TABLE 6.7 Nubret Pro-Set Method
Week
1
2
3
4
Sets
3
2
1
1
3
1
4
Reps
10
10
8
6
10
8
10
Total time
5 min
5 min
5 min
5 min
5
5
5
5
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATE
REPETITIONS
Although the rep is the smallest part of the workout, manipulating it can lead to big gains in muscle
mass. The following training techniques alter the
reps performed in each workout. This can be done
by using specific rep ranges, using extremely highrep training, dividing the reps up throughout the
day, altering the range of motion of specific reps,
performing reps with additional help after muscles
have fatigued, changing the speed at which reps
are performed, or emphasizing a certain part of
the rep. These all work to boost muscle growth
one rep at a time.
5–10–20 Training
This program is actually an advanced version of
tri-sets (see Tri-Set Training earlier in this chapter).
With most tri-set programs you perform equal reps
on all three exercises, but this one uses very specific repetition ranges for each exercise. The first
exercise in the tri-set is done for just 5 reps. This
is a good rep range for boosting muscle strength.
The second exercise is done for 10 reps. This is
the ideal rep range for building muscle mass. The
last exercise in the tri-set is done for 20 reps. This
rep range enhances muscle endurance but also
further promotes muscle hypertrophy. Combining
all three of these rep ranges gives you a program
that trains the muscles in every respect necessary
to get them big, lean, and strong.
Exercise selection plays an important role in
the 5–10–20 program because of the imposed
rep ranges. The first exercise should be a basic
exercise, preferably using a barbell. Because
the reps on this exercise are so low for building
strength, basic multijoint exercises with a barbell
are best (see table 6.8 for sample exercise choices
for each exercise). The second exercise is done
with a moderate number of reps for putting on
muscle size; therefore, it should be another basic
exercise (similar to the first) but performed with
either dumbbells or a machine. The third exercise
is the high-rep set, so the best exercise choices
are single-joint isolation moves. These can be done
with dumbbells, but cables or machines are your
preferred method to give your muscles continuous
tension throughout the entire range of motion.
Because this program is so demanding on the
muscles and on your entire body, you’ll need to
get plenty of rest for optimal recovery. Allow each
muscle group trained with the 5–10–20 program at
least five days of rest before training them again.
I suggest you plan on working each muscle group
just once per week, as shown in table 6.9. Remember that you can substitute these exercises for any
of the appropriate ones in table 6.8. Perform one
set of each exercise, resting just long enough to get
set up on the next exercise. After the last exercise
is completed, rest two minutes before repeating in
the same order. Repeat for a total of two to four
tri-sets. Follow the program for no longer than 6
weeks. This is a fairly grueling regimen to maintain
for any longer. But don’t think that you have to train
every body part with 5–10–20. You can choose to
train just one or a few of your troublesome body
parts with the 5–10–20 program to bring them up
to par with the rest of you.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.8 Choosing 5s, 10s, 20s
FIRST EXERCISE
Muscle group
Chest
Deltoids
Back
Thighs
Triceps
Biceps
Chest
Deltoids
Back
Thighs
Triceps
Biceps
Chest
Deltoids
Back
Thighs
Triceps
Biceps
Exercise choices
Barbell bench press, incline barbell bench press, decline barbell bench press
Barbell shoulder press (seated or standing)
Barbell row, pull-up
Squat
Close-grip bench press, triceps dip
Barbell curl
SECOND EXERCISE
Dumbbell bench press, machine chest press (flat, incline, or decline versions)
Overhead dumbbell press, machine overhead press
Dumbbell row, cable row, machine row, pulldown (various grips)
Leg press, lunge, dumbbell step-up
Lying or seated triceps extension
Dumbbell curls (standing, seated, or incline)
THIRD EXERCISE
Dumbbell fly or cable fly (incline, flat, or decline), cable crossover, pec deck
Dumbbell, cable, or machine lateral raise; bent-over lateral raise; front raise
Straight-arm pulldown
Leg extension, leg curl (lying, seated, or standing)
Triceps pressdown, machine triceps extension
Cable concentration curl or machine curl
TABLE 6.9 5–10–20 Blocks
THIGHS
Exercise
Barbell squat
Dumbbell lunge
Leg curl
CHEST
Sets
4
4
4
Reps
5
10
20
BACK
Bent-over barbell row
Pulldown
Straight-arm pulldown
Exercise
Incline bench press
Flat dumbbell press
Cable crossover
Sets
3
3
3
Reps
5
10
20
2
2
2
5
10
20
TRICEPS
3
3
3
5
10
20
2
2
2
5
10
20
Triceps dip
Lying triceps extension
Triceps pressdown
BICEPS
Barbell curl
Incline dumbbell curl
Machine preacher curl
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Finish Pump Method
This method involves training with basic exercises
and heavy weight in the beginning of the workout.
For example, a chest workout would start with an
exercise such as the bench press for sets of 6
to 8 reps, and then continue with the dumbbell
press for sets of 8 to 10 reps, and then finish
with dumbbell flys for sets of 12 to 15 reps and
cable crossovers for sets of 15 to 20. This concept
takes advantage of the enhanced blood flow from
the higher-rep training to deliver more water (which
enters the muscle to create the pump), oxygen,
nutrients, and anabolic hormones to the muscles
and help flush the waste products away from the
muscle at the end of the workout. This helps to
enhance recovery and stimulate muscle growth.
See table 6.10 for a sample finish pump workout.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.10 Finish Pump for Quadriceps
Exercise
Squat
Leg press
Lunge
Leg extension
Sets
3
3
3
3
Reps
6-8
8-10
12-15
15-20
Hundreds Training
Hundreds training is an extremely hard-core
method that incorporates very high repetitions—100 reps per set, to be exact. The weight
you will use to complete 100 reps is around 20 to
30 percent of a weight you can use for 10 strict
reps. For example, if you use 50-pound dumbbells
for 10 reps on dumbbell curls, you will use 10- to
15-pound dumbbells when you do hundreds training. Try the 10-pound dumbbells to start, because
you always want to start lighter than heavier.
Your goal is to perform at least 70 reps before
you stop for a quick breather. That is, you should
fail before you reach 100 reps. If you can do all
100 reps with a given weight, without stopping,
then the weight is too light and you will need to
increase it for the next workout. You need to find
a weight that allows you to complete 60 to 70
reps without stopping. Your mark for increasing
the weight is when you can get 70 reps or more
with a weight.
Let’s walk through a sample set of standing
dumbbell curls using the hundreds training
approach. Grab your appropriately weighted
dumbbells and perform dumbbell curls as you
normally would with a heavier weight. Keep your
form on the dumbbell curls strict as described in
chapter 19 and keep your reps moderately paced
and under control at all times. If you chose the
correct weight, you will reach momentary muscle
failure somewhere between rep 60 and rep 70.
Here’s where you get a rest but only for as many
seconds as the number of reps you have left to
complete. In other words, rest 1 second for every
remaining rep you have left. If you completed 65
reps, then you rest 35 seconds, and then attempt
to do the remaining 35 reps. If you fail to complete those final 35, use the same method—rest
1 second for every rep you have left until you
reach the 100-rep mark. Sounds simple . . . until
you actually try it. This method is only for those
with at least one full year of consistent strength
training experience.
The benefit of hundreds training is how it
incorporates the muscle fibers in the muscle.
Because the weight is so light and the reps
are so high, it thoroughly trains the slow-twitch
muscle fibers in the beginning of the set. All
muscles are composed of two major types
of muscle fibers—slow-twitch and fast-twitch
muscle fibers. Slow-twitch muscle fibers tend
to be used for endurance-type activities—therefore, higher reps tend to train them best. Fasttwitch muscle fibers are used for more powerful
activities—therefore, they are better trained
with heavy weight and low reps, or with fast,
explosive-type movements. Most muscles are
close to 50 percent slow-twitch and 50 percent
fast-twitch muscle fibers. This means it’s a good
85
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
idea to use techniques that train both types of
muscle fibers. With hundreds training you will hit
the slow-twitch muscle fibers during the first 60
reps or so. After that, your muscles will have to
call on the fast-twitch muscle fibers to help out
the fatigued slow-twitch fibers. Doing this many
repetitions causes biochemical changes in the
muscle, which aid in muscle growth. It also leads
to greater growth of blood vessels that feed the
muscle fibers to enhance the delivery of blood,
oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the muscle
cells. This environment increases the growth
potential of the muscle fibers.
The best way to use hundreds training is to
train each muscle group twice per week. Therefore, following an upper- and lower-body training
split or a two-day is ideal with this style of training. The only difference is that you can do up to
three exercises for larger muscle groups (chest,
back, and quadriceps) because you perform only
one set per exercise with hundreds training. Try
hundreds training for about two to four weeks; it
is very intense and will be difficult to follow for
any longer. Then follow it with a standard mass
training that uses heavy weight and low reps.
Another way to use hundreds training is to sporadically train one muscle group or your entire
body with hundreds training for just one or two
workouts to change your training style and shock
the muscles for added growth. See table 6.11 for
a sample training regimen using the hundreds
training technique. Each of the workouts in this
program is to be done twice weekly. For instance,
you can do workout 1 on Monday and Thursday
and workout 2 on Tuesday and Friday. Or you can
allow a day of rest between every workout and
do workout 1 on Monday and Friday and workout
2 on Wednesday and Sunday.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
Sets
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Reps
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
1
100
1
1
100
100
Sets
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Reps
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
1
100
TABLE 6.11 Hundreds Workouts
WORKOUT 1
Muscle group Exercise
Chest
Bench press
Incline dumbbell fly
Cable crossover
Back
Wide-grip pulldown
Seated cable row
Straight-arm pulldown
Shoulders
Smith machine
shoulder press
Dumbbell lateral
raise
Trapezius
Dumbbell shrug
Abdominals
Cable crunch
WORKOUT 2
Muscle group Exercise
Quadriceps
Smith machine squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Hamstrings
Lying leg curl
Calves
Standing calf raise
Seated calf raise
Biceps
Barbell curl
Preacher curl
Triceps
Lying triceps
extension
Triceps pressdown
86
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
50–50 Method
This program helps to bring up the development
of lagging muscle groups. Simply stated, this program involves the completion of 100 reps per day
on one exercise for any body part that you deem
is behind in growth. It is different from hundreds
training in that you don’t perform all 100 reps at
one time, plus you do this for one muscle group
every day for eight weeks. By doing so many reps
every day, you enhance the endurance capacity of
the muscle. Enhanced endurance is facilitated by
an increase in the capillary density of the muscle.
Capillary density refers to the number of capillaries (small blood vessels where nutrient and gas
exchange take place between the blood and the
muscle cells) a muscle is supplied with. Muscle
hypertrophy tends to lower the capillary density
because of the greater amount of muscle present.
This also happens with low-rep, heavy-weight
training, because this style of training forces the
muscle to rely more on the energy it can derive
within the muscle cell, not from the blood. By
doing the 50–50 method, you can boost the capillary density of a muscle and therefore enhance
the delivery of nutrients, anabolic hormones, and
oxygen to the muscle. In addition, you enhance
the removal of biochemical waste products from
the muscle. This results in bigger muscle pumps,
more rapid recovery of the muscle, and ultimately
greater potential for muscle growth.
To follow the 50–50 method, choose the muscle
group you want to bring up to par with the others.
Then choose one exercise for that muscle group.
This will be the exercise you will do every day,
even on the days you don’t normally train that
muscle group. See table 6.12 for a list of the best
exercises to use with the 50–50 method. You will
need to perform 100 reps a day of that exercise
in two segments in the day. That means you will
perform 50 reps at a time, separated by about
8 to 12 hours, with a weight that challenges you
but is not so heavy it causes you to fatigue by the
50th rep. For example, if you want to build up your
biceps, you will do 50 reps of dumbbell curls in
the morning—say at 9:00 a.m.—and again in the
evening—maybe at 9:00 p.m. The weight you use
is critical to your success. If it’s too heavy, then it
is likely to lead to overtraining. A good rule is that
when you reach the 50th rep you should feel as
though you could complete about 10 more reps.
Follow this program for no more than eight weeks
to see decent results and prevent stagnation. You
can, however, switch to other muscle groups and
continue the 50–50 method.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.12 50–50 Exercises
Muscle group
Chest
Deltoids
Back
Triceps
Biceps
Forearms
Quadriceps
Hamstrings
Calves
Abdominals
Best choice of exercises
Dumbbell bench press (flat or incline)
Dumbbell fly (flat or incline)
Push-up
Overhead dumbbell press (standing
or seated)
Dumbbell lateral raise
Dumbbell upright row
Bent-over lateral raise
Dumbbell or barbell row
Pulldown
Straight-arm pulldown
Triceps pressdown
Lying dumbbell extension
Dumbbell curl (standing, seated,
or incline)
Wrist curl (dumbbell or barbell)
Reverse wrist curl (dumbbell or
barbell)
Squat
Leg extension
Leg curl (lying, seated, standing)
Romanian deadlift (dumbbell or
barbell)
Standing calf raise
Donkey calf raise
Crunch
87
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
21s
This is an advanced method of training that challenges the working muscle group in three different
ranges of motion within a single set. Its name
comes from the total number of reps per set you
perform with this training technique. In each set, you
do a total of 21 repetitions but as three separate
sets of 7 reps. You start the set from the start position and do 7 reps through the first half of the range
of motion (see table 6.13). After you complete the
first 7 reps, you do another 7 reps but only through
the last half of the range of motion. When those 7
are complete, you finish with 7 reps through the full
range of motion of that exercise. Using the barbell
curl as an example, you start with your arms fully
extended, holding a barbell across the front of your
thighs. First you curl the weight up 7 times only to
the point where your arms are parallel with the floor.
Then you curl the weight up 7 times from the point
where your arms are parallel with the floor to the
point where they are close to your shoulders. After
these 7 reps, you perform 7 standard barbell curls
going through the full range of motion.
The 21s can be done with virtually any exercise
but are most practical with single-joint isolation
movements. Multijoint exercises, like the bench
press and squat, involve so many secondary and
stabilizing muscles that straight sets prove the
most effective. See table 6.13 for a sample of the
best exercises to use with 21s. Regardless of the
exercise, you’ll need to use lighter resistance than
usual when doing 21s, since your muscles are unaccustomed to the increased number of reps. Using
cables or machines for this training technique is
an excellent way to maintain continuous tension on
the muscle. This is especially important, because
the tension on the muscle is typically decreased
at full flexion when you use free weights.
With 21s you can most effectively work on
flexibility within the joint during the first 7 reps,
since you begin each rep with the working muscle
in a fully stretched position. The middle 7 reps
are most productive in terms of muscle growth
and development, because you’re stronger in the
second half of the movement and you can squeeze
the contraction at the top for maximum peaking.
The last 7 reps essentially serve the purpose of
burning out the muscles, which is great for initiating new growth.
To work 21s into your current routine, do three
sets of them as the first exercise for a body part
(after a proper warm-up, of course), then resume
with straight sets for all other movements in that
body-part workout. Or do one to three sets of 21s
as the last exercise for a particular body part to
burn it out. To avoid overtraining, decrease your
volume for the body part you’re doing 21s with
by doing one fewer exercise in that workout. If on
chest day you normally do three or four exercises,
do two or three if you’re doing three sets of 21s.
Beginners should start off with only one set of
21s—remember, this is an advanced technique.
You can increase to 2 or 3 sets after a couple of
sessions. Follow this program for about four to
eight weeks, and no more, because it loses its
effectiveness after about eight weeks.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.13 Dealing 21s
Muscle group Exercise
Chest
Cable crossover
Back
Shoulders
Quadriceps
Hamstrings
Triceps
Biceps
88
Breakdown form for 21s
Form for this exercise is the same as for normal cable crossovers, as
described in chapter 14.
First 7 reps: Start with your hands outside your shoulders and contract your
pecs until your arms are about 45 degrees to your torso.
Next 7 reps: Go from 45 degrees to hands together, maintaining the same
elbow angle from the start, and squeeze.
Last 7 reps: Combine previous 2 for 7 complete reps.
Lat pulldown
Form for this exercise is the same as for normal lat pulldown, as described in
chapter 16.
First 7 reps: Pull the bar toward your upper chest, keeping your elbows back,
until your elbows are at approximately 90-degree angles.
Next 7 reps: Start at 90 degrees and pull the bar all the way to your upper
chest.
Last 7 reps: Combine previous 2 for full-range reps.
Cable lateral
Form for this exercise is the same as for normal cable lateral raise, as
raise
described in chapter 15.
First 7 reps: Raise your arm upward and outward, keeping your elbow locked
in a slightly bent position, until your arm is at a 45-degree angle to the floor.
Next 7 reps: Start at about 45 degrees and pull the weight up until your arm
is just past parallel to the floor.
Last 7 reps: Combine previous 2.
Leg extension
Form for this exercise is the same as for normal leg extension, as described
in chapter 21.
First 7 reps: Extend your knees to where your shins are at 45-degree angles
to the floor.
Next 7 reps: Start at the 45-degree angle, straighten your legs, and squeeze
your quads at the top.
Last 7 reps: Combine previous 2.
Lying leg curl
Form for this exercise is the same as for normal lying leg curls, as described
(can also
in chapter 22.
be done on
First 7 reps: Flex your knees until your shins are just short of perpendicular to
seated leg curl) the floor.
Next 7 reps: The end range is just bringing the pad up to your butt as much as
possible.
Last 7 reps: Combine previous 2.
Triceps
Because the range of motion on triceps pressdown is relatively small (see
pressdown
chapter 18), increase it when doing 21s by starting with your hands at upperchest level. Start with your forearms about 30 degrees above horizontal,
whereas normally they’d be parallel to the floor. Lock your upper arms and
elbows at your sides.
First 7 reps: Extend your arms until your elbows are just past parallel to the
floor.
Next 7 reps: Start at about parallel, extend your arms until your elbows are
completely locked out, and squeeze your triceps.
Last 7 reps: Combine previous 2.
One-arm cable
Form for this exercise is the same as for normal one-arm cable curl, as
curl
described in chapter 19.
First 7 reps: Curl the weight up until your forearm is nearly parallel to the floor.
Next 7 reps: Start at about parallel, curl the handle up until your elbow
reaches full flexion, and squeeze at the top.
Last 7 reps: Combine previous 2.
89
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Four-Rep System
This program involves four different exercises for
each muscle group. Each exercise is designed
to hit the muscle from a variety of angles and
provide a unique stimulus to the muscle. After a
thorough warm-up, the first exercise should be
a basic exercise (see table 6.14) and done for
three sets of four reps. This rep range provides
a stimulus for gains in strength. The second
exercise can be another basic exercise, preferably a dumbbell version, or it can be an isolation
exercise that minimizes the help of assistance
muscle groups. Completing three sets of eight
reps will provide the best stimulus for muscle
growth. The third exercise should be an isolation
exercise, performed for three sets of 12 reps.
This rep number will provide a potent stimulus
for muscle growth and will encourage biochemical
changes in the muscle that will enhance muscle
growth and endurance (the ability to do more
repetitions with a given weight). The last exercise should be done for three sets of 16 reps to
provide a significant pump to the muscle. This
will drive more fluid into the muscle cells, and
the stretch this provides is believed to stimulate
muscle growth. This final exercise can be either
an isolation exercise or a basic exercise for that
given muscle group, depending on what exercise
was done for the second exercise.
Because of the higher volume involved with
this program, you should split your workouts into
three separate body regions. For instance, workout
1 could be chest, shoulders, triceps, and abs;
workout 2 could be back and biceps; and workout
3 could be thighs, calves, and abs. Depending on
how well you recover, you may consider training
each muscle group just once a week on the fourrep system. An alternative way to do the four-rep
system is to perform four sets of each exercise.
The first set will be done for 4 reps, the second
set for 8 reps, the third set for 12 reps, and the
last set for 16 reps. Do this with two or three
exercises per muscle group. See table 6.15 for a
sample back and biceps routine using the alternative four-rep system.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.14 Four to Grow
Muscle group Exercises
Sets Reps
Chest
Incline bench press
3
4
Dumbbell bench press
3
8
Decline fly
3
12
Pec deck
3
16
Shoulders
Standing barbell press
3
4
Dumbbell lateral raise
3
8
Upright row
3
12
Overhead dumbbell
3
16
press
Triceps
Close-grip bench press
3
4
Triceps dip
3
8
Lying triceps extension
3
12
Triceps pressdown
3
16
Back
Bent-over row
3
4
Pulldown
3
8
Straight-arm pulldown
3
12
Dumbbell row
3
16
Biceps
Barbell curl
3
4
Incline dumbbell curl
3
8
Concentration curl
3
12
Preacher curl
3
16
Legs
Squat
3
4
Romanian deadlift
3
8
Leg extension
3
12
Leg press
3
16
TABLE 6.15 Alternative Four-Rep System
Muscle
group Exercises
Back
Bent-over row
Pulldown
Straight-arm pulldown
Dumbbell row
Biceps Barbell curl
Incline dumbbell curl
Concentration curl
Sets
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Reps
4, 8, 12, 16
4, 8, 12, 16
4, 8, 12, 16
4, 8, 12, 16
4, 8, 12, 16
4, 8, 12, 16
4, 8, 12, 16
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Forced Repetitions
Forced repetitions allow you to get more reps on
a set by having a spotter help you finish the set
after you have reached failure. This lets you push
your muscles to their limits and beyond, which
is important for forcing muscle growth. After you
have reached failure on a set, the spotter can help
you to perform an extra two or three reps that
you wouldn’t have been able to get without help.
Doing forced reps on the last set of an exercise
is all you’ll need to get a jump on muscle growth.
Researchers suggest that one way that forced
reps seem to work so well for pushing muscle
growth. A study of 16 male athletes discovered
that forced-rep training increased levels of growth
hormone after training by almost three times
more than a standard workout, as shown in figure
6.1 (Ahtianen, Pakarinen, Kraemer, and Hakkinen
2003). Growth hormone is an important anabolic
hormone that is believed to be involved in stimulating the processes that drive muscle growth.
Ahtianen and colleagues also studied muscle
recovery after forced-rep training. They discovered
that up to three days after the forced-rep workout
the subjects’ trained muscles had not fully recovered. Therefore, when using forced-rep training you
should allow the trained muscle groups at least
four and up to seven days of rest before training
them again. You should use forced-rep training for
no more than four weeks for any muscle group.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
80,000
1
1
1
1
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
***
***
MR
FR
60,000
GH ( %)
3
3
3
3
***
70,000
50,000
***
##
40,000
**
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2
2
2
2
Pre
*
#
*
Leg press
**
Leg press
(2 sets)
(4 sets)
#
#
##
**
**
Recovery
**
Squat
Knee
Post 15
Post 30
(2 sets)
extension
**
(2 sets)
FIGURE 6.1 This graph depicts the response of the elevated growth hormone seen when subjects perform a forced-rep workout
versus a normal workout. *Significantly differentE6002/Stoppani/fig
(* = p < 0.05, **6.01/496110/alw/R1-pulled
= p < 0.01, *** = p < 0.001) from corresponding preexercise value. #Statistically significant difference (# = p < 0.05, ## = p < 0.01) between the maximum rep vs. forced rep loadings.
Reprinted, by permission, from J.P. Ahtiainen, A. Pakarinen, W.J. Kraemer, and K. Häkkinen, 2003, “Acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses and recovery
to forced vs. maximum repetitions multiple resistance exercises,” International Journal of Sports Medicine, 24(6): 410-418. ©Georg Thieme Verlag KG.
91
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Negative Repetitions
Like forced reps, negative reps for building size
are best used at the end of a set when your muscles have reached failure. After you can no longer
complete any more positive reps with a given
weight, you can still do several negative reps.
This is because muscles are much stronger on
the negative portion of an exercise. Negative-rep
training lets you take advantage of this fact and
the fact that this high-intensity technique can spur
new growth when done from time to time. Using
negative-rep training for boosting muscle growth
is different from using negative-rep training to
improve muscle strength. For using negative-rep
training to enhance muscle strength, see chapter
9. Resisting the weight down on the eccentric, or
negative, portion of an exercise causes definite
muscle damage. When muscle fibers are damaged,
it sets off a cascade of steps that leads to muscle
growth. It also develops protection from further
eccentric overloading. That is why you want to use
this technique infrequently. Once a tolerance for it
has been built, the muscle damage is much less.
Therefore, stopping after you have used it once
or twice for a muscle group is the wisest way to
add this technique to your training program. Then
take a break from it for at least two months. You
will need to do only two or three negative reps at
the end of the last set for each exercise you do.
Have a spotter or two—depending on the amount
of weight you use—help you perform the positive
portion of each rep. During the negative part of
the rep, you should attempt to resist the weight by
allowing it to slowly force your muscles through the
negative repetition. It should take you no less than
about three seconds to lower the weight through
the negative rep. If you cannot resist the weight for
at least three seconds, do not perform any more
negative reps and finish the set.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
Slow-Repetition Training
Slow-repetition training is a technique in which the
repetitions are performed at a very slow speed.
Although the term slow-repetition training covers
a broad spectrum of possibilities, the most popular method is known as superslow training. This
method requires you to slow your rep speed down to
10 seconds on the positive portion of the lift and an
additional 10 seconds on the negative portion. You
should use a weight that is about 50 to 70 percent
of the weight you normally lift and attempt to complete 5 to 10 reps per set. Because of the intense
nature of slow contractions, you need to perform
only about two or three exercises per muscle group
and only two sets per exercise. You should also
allow five to seven days of rest for all major muscle
groups trained with superslow training. Try this workout method for four to six weeks before changing to
a different routine that involves normal-speed reps.
Another way to incorporate superslow training into
your lifting program is to do it every other workout
for each muscle group or throw in one superslow rep
set each workout for any muscle group—do it either
at the beginning or at the end of the workout. There
are many benefits to superslow training that make
it an effective technique for adding muscle mass. It
minimizes the momentum of the weight to maximize
the force placed on the muscle being trained. It
helps you to develop the connection between mind
and muscle, because the slow movement forces
you to concentrate on the muscle contraction. It
progressively fatigues all the fibers of the muscles
involved. It minimizes the risk of injury from poorly
performed exercise movements. And it reduces the
stress placed on the joints.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Speed-Set Training
By combining fast reps, slow reps, and normal reps
into each set, you can do three things: increase
strength, increase lean muscle, and decrease fat.
The fast reps, like all explosive moves, build power,
or the ability to generate strength very quickly. The
slow reps build strength by keeping muscles under
tension for a longer period. The longer they have
to support the weight, the more damaged they get,
and hence the more muscle they will develop. And
ending each set with the normal reps increases
muscular endurance. See table 6.16 for the SpeedSet Training program.
Each set has 15 reps. Reps 1 to 5 are the
explosive reps, executed superfast. Reps 6 to 10
are excruciatingly slow, taking five seconds on the
positive and another five seconds on the negative.
And reps 11 to 15 are done at your normal pace
(or roughly 1 to 2 seconds up and the same back
down). Because of the intensity of this regimen,
you’ll pick a weight at which you could normally do
20 to 25 reps.
Avoid unilateral (single-arm or -leg) exercises.
Doing 15 reps (five of them ultraslow) per set
takes a long time, and if you’re doing something
like dumbbell rows or presses on each side, it
could put too much strain on your stabilizer and
core muscle groups. To spare your core muscles,
I recommend incorporating machines, particularly
the Smith machine, which also allows you to exert
maximum explosive power on the fast reps.
This regimen is ideal for training opposing
muscle groups in each workout, pairing chest with
back, biceps with triceps, shoulders with calves,
and legs with abs. That way, you ensure that each
muscle group gets the full benefit of training.
Because the rep level is high and the technique
is so intense, you could very easily burn out, say,
your triceps while training your chest, making it
impossible for your triceps to benefit from this
type of training on the same day.
Start by doing two sets per exercise during
weeks 1 and 2 and build up to three sets per exercise during weeks 3 and 4. Rest should be about
one to two minutes between each set. Follow this
regimen for four weeks maximum at a time, and
then go back to your normal training.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.16 Speed-Set Training
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): LEGS + ABS
Sets
Week 1–2/
Exercise
weeks 3–4 Reps
LEGS
Smith machine squat*
2/3
15
Leg press
2/3
15
Leg extension
2/3
15
Leg curl
2/3
15
ABS**
Hanging leg raise
2/3
15
Crunch***
2/3
15
WORKOUT 3 (THURSDAY): SHOULDERS + CALVES
Sets
Week 1–2/
Exercise
weeks 3–4 Reps
SHOULDERS
Smith machine overhead
2/3
15
press*
Smith machine upright row
2/3
15
Dumbbell lateral raise**
2/3
15
CALVES
Standing calf raise
2/3
15
Seated calf raise
2/3
15
*Back squat or front squat.
*Or machine shoulder press.
** While you can use weights for the ab exercises, if you opt to
use only body weight and can do more than five normal-pace reps
at the end of the set, continue doing normal-pace reps until you
reach failure.
**Or machine lateral raise.
***Or crunch machine.
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): CHEST + BACK
Sets
Week 1–2/
Exercise
weeks 3–4 Reps
CHEST
Smith machine incline press*
2/3
15
Dumbbell bench press**
2/3
15
Cable crossover***
2/3
15
BACK
Wide-grip pulldown
2/3
15
Seated cable row
2/3
15
Straight-arm pulldown
2/3
15
WORKOUT 4 (FRIDAY): TRICEPS + BICEPS
Sets
Week 1–2/
Exercise
weeks 3–4 Reps
TRICEPS
Smith machine
2/3
15
close-grip bench press
Triceps pressdown*
2/3
15
BICEPS
Barbell curl
2/3
15
Preacher curl**
2/3
15
*Or machine triceps extension.
**Or machine biceps curl.
*Or machine incline press.
**Or machine bench press.
***Or machine fly.
93
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Four-Minute Muscle
To do the Four-Minute Muscle technique, you select
a weight on each exercise that allows you to perform
15 to 19 reps before reaching muscle failure. You
will lift this weight for a total of four minutes, taking
short rest breaks each time you reach muscle
failure. The goal is to see how many reps you can
complete in these four minutes and to progressively
increase the total number of reps you can complete
over several weeks. You should be able to complete
at least 40 reps in four minutes the first week you
use this technique. The goal is to complete 60 reps
in four minutes after four to six weeks.
The week before taking this journey, use all the
exercises as listed and find the weight on each
exercise that allows you to complete a minimum
of 15 reps and a maximum of 19 reps. The weight
you select is critical to your success. A weight that
allows you to do fewer than 15 reps will be too
heavy to ever get you close to the 60-rep goal in
four to six weeks. A weight that allows you to get
more than 19 reps will be too easy and will enable
you to reach the goal of 60 reps in less than four
weeks. Do only enough sets per exercise to determine the proper weight to use and then move on
to the next exercise. Do all the exercises in each
workout in the order listed.
There are two main ways that you can go about
training with the Four-Minute Muscle program. The
first way is to go to failure and then rest as little as
possible before picking up the weight and going to
failure again and continuing in this fashion until the
four minutes are up. The problem with this strategy
is that there is no way to advance the number of
total reps you can complete other than hoping that
you will increase muscle endurance each time you
train this way, which should allow you to complete
more reps in that four-minute window.
A smarter strategy is to pace yourself by sticking
with a set amount of rest time between sets. The
first time you do this workout, rest 20 seconds
between sets each time you hit failure. Do this
again in week 2. Then in week 3, drop your rest
to 15 seconds between sets each time you hit
muscle failure. Do this again in week 4. If you do
not hit the goal of 60 reps in week 4, drop to 10
seconds of rest between sets in weeks 5 and 6,
and you should hit your goal of 60 reps or at least
very close to 60 reps.
If you don’t hit the 60-rep mark by the end of
the six weeks on all exercises, don’t worry about
it. Hitting the 60-rep goal is not critical to the
results you will have. The results you can you
expect in four to six weeks on this program are
bigger muscle size, less body fat, and an increase
in muscle endurance. Muscle endurance means
that you will be able to complete more reps with
a given weight. For example, if you can complete
10 reps with 70-pound dumbbells on the dumbbell
bench press, you can expect to be getting a solid
12 to 15 reps with that same weight. It also means
you’ll be able to use heavier dumbbells (say 75- or
80-pounders) to get those same 10 reps.
The reason this program delivers all of this is
manifold. For starters, because you are doing an
exercise for four minutes with minimal rest between
sets, you will be burning many more calories than
when you do normal sets with two to three minutes
of rest between sets. This will also mean you will
still be burning more calories when the workout is
over. All of that leads to some serious fat burning.
Training this way will also place your muscles under
a lot of metabolic stress. That means you’ll be
creating waste products in your muscles, such as
lactate. The metabolic waste products will instigate
a higher release of anabolic hormones like growth
hormone, testosterone, and insulin-like growth
factor-I (IGF-I), which will stimulate muscle growth.
Plus dealing with these waste products will train
your body to better handle and dispose of them.
That will increase your muscle endurance, which
will result in strength increases. Going for four
minutes with minimal rest like this will also place
a lot of mechanical stress on the muscles (muscle
damage). That will lead to further gains in muscle
size. And training this way is so unique compared
to how you have previously trained that it will simply
shock your muscles into responding by growing
bigger and stronger. That’s the principle known as
muscle confusion. See table 6.17, Four-Minute
Muscle Mayhem, for the full workout.
Try this program for four to six weeks. Rest about
two to three minutes between exercises.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.17 Four-Minute Muscle Mayhem
Muscle group
Chest
Biceps
Forearms
Muscle group
Back
Triceps
Abs
Muscle group
Shoulders
Traps
Muscle group
Legs
Calves
Abs
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, BICEPS, ABS
Exercise
Time/rep goal: week 1; week 4
Smith machine bench press
4 min/40; 60
Dumbbell bench press
4 min/40; 60
Incline dumbbell fly
4 min/40; 60
Cable crossover
4 min/40; 60
Barbell curl
4 min/40; 60
Incline dumbbell curl
4 min/40; 60
Preacher curl
4 min/40; 60
Barbell wrist curl
4 min/40; 60
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): BACK AND TRICEPS
Exercise
Time/rep goal: week 1; week 4
Wide-grip pulldown*
4 min/40; 60
Seated cable row*
4 min/40; 60
Reverse-grip pulldown*
4 min/40; 60
Straight-arm pulldown
4 min/40; 60
Smith machine close-grip bench press
4 min/40; 60
Triceps pressdown
4 min/40; 60
Cable overhead extension
4 min/40; 60
Hanging leg raise/knee raise**
4 min/40; 60
Cable crunch
4 min/40; 60
WORKOUT 3 (THURSDAY): SHOULDERS AND TRAPS
Exercise
Time/rep goal: week 1; week 4
Smith machine shoulder press
4 min/40; 60
Dumbbell lateral raise
4 min/40; 60
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 min/40; 60
Cable high-pulley rear delt raise
4 min/40; 60
Smith machine shrug*
4-min/40; 60
Dumbbell shrug*
4-min/40; 60
WORKOUT 4 (FRIDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Time/rep goal: week 1; week 4
Smith machine squat
4-min/40; 60
Leg press
4-min/40; 60
Leg extension
4-min/40; 60
Romanian deadlift*
4-min/40; 60
Lying leg curl
4-min/40; 60
Standing calf raise
4-min/40; 60
Seated calf raise
4-min/40; 60
Decline weighted crunch
4-min/40; 60
Reverse crunch
4-min/40; 60
*Use wrist straps on these exercises.
**If you cannot perform 15 reps of the hanging leg raise with straight legs, do the hanging knee raise; if you can complete more than 15
reps, hold a dumbbell or medicine ball between your feet or knees.
95
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
PROGRAMS THAT
MANIPULATE LOAD
Because strength training involves lifting weights
or resistance, the most fundamental change that
can be done to manipulate a training program is
to alter the amount of weight used. The following
programs do just that—they manipulate the load,
or resistance. This can be done by altering sets
of heavy weight and light weight within a single
workout or on each exercise during a workout.
Some of these techniques alter the weight during
a set. Regardless of the time line, the result from
each of these is greater muscle mass.
Heavy and Light Method
This technique simply incorporates several heavy
sets of an exercise followed by several light sets
of that same exercise. The theory is that the heavy
sets will stimulate the fast-twitch muscle fibers
better while the lighter sets promote capillarization
of the muscles and induce fatigue. This is often
done with just one exercise, as shown in table
6.18. More experienced bodybuilders will sometimes do two exercises but with fewer total sets on
each exercise. With this method, the first exercise
(which is typically a basic or multijoint movement)
is done with heavy weight and low reps, while the
second exercise (which is often an isolation-type
exercise) is done with very light weight and high
reps (see table 6.19). For both programs, the exercises would be completed over a three- or four-day
split. For example, workout 1 might be shoulders
and thighs; workout 2 could train chest, back,
and abs; workout 3 might complete the split with
biceps, triceps, and calves.
TABLE 6.18 Heavy and Light SingleExercise Sample Routine
TABLE 6.19 Heavy and Light MultipleExercise Sample Routine
Muscle
group
Shoulders
Exercise
Shoulder press
Legs
Squat
Chest
Bench press
Back
Barbell row
Abs
Cable crunch
Biceps
Barbell curl
Triceps
Lying triceps extension
Calves
Standing calf raise
Sets
4
4
5
1
5
2
4
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
4
6
Reps
5
12
4
15
5
12
4
15
10
25
5
15
5
15
8
25
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
Muscle
group
Shoulders
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
Exercise
Shoulder press
Lateral raise
Thighs
Squat
Leg press
Chest
Bench press
Incline fly
Back
Barbell row
Pulldown
Abdominals Cable crunch
Reverse crunch
Biceps
Barbell curl
Preacher curl
Triceps
Lying triceps extension
Triceps pressdown
Calves
Standing calf raise
Seated calf raise
4
4
4
4
Sets
4
4
5
5
5
4
5
5
3
3
4
3
4
3
3
3
5
5
5
5
Reps
5
15
4
15
4
15
4
15
10
25
5
15
5
15
8
25
97
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Triangle Method
The triangle method is a basic pyramid training
system. The term pyramid refers to a stepwise
increase and decrease in weight used with each
set of an exercise. The triangle method starts off
with three or four ascending sets. The first two
or three are warm-up sets that are not taken to
failure. The third or fourth set usually consists of
a weight that allows for only four to six reps. After
that set the weight is progressively lowered and the
reps increase for another two or three sets. See
table 6.20 for a sample workout using the triangle
method. The benefit of the triangle method is that
it allows you to slowly prepare the targeted muscle
for very heavy weight. This helps to prevent injury.
In addition, this method of training allows for varied
rep ranges, which provide different stimuli to the
trained muscles.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.20 Triangle Chest Using Incline
Bench Press
Set
1
2
3
4
5
6
Weight
(pounds)
135
185
225
245
185
165
Reps
10
8
6
4
7
8
Rest
2 min
3 min
3 min
3 min
3 min
–
Rack Pyramid Method
This pyramid method is named after the dumbbell
rack because it is best used with preset dumbbells found in most gyms. As with the triangle
method, you start with a very light weight for 10
reps to warm up. Then you gradually increase
the weights of each set by the smallest increase
available (usually five pounds each dumbbell)
until you can perform only one repetition. After
that, if you’re really up for punishing your muscles,
reverse the order and decline in weight by the
smallest decrease possible until you reach your
starting point. Rest between sets should be kept
to a minimum—about one to two minutes. The
benefits of the rack pyramid method are similar
to those of the triangle method in that it allows a
proper warm-up for preparing the muscle for the
intense training task ahead. It also provides a
very broad range of reps for a variety of training
stimuli to the muscle. It also gives the muscle an
intense workout that is sure to kick-start muscle
growth. Because this method is rather grueling
on the targeted muscles, it’s wise to use the rack
pyramid method infrequently. It is best thrown into
a workout to stimulate a lagging muscle group to
grow. One beneficial way to use the rack pyramid
method is to use it for one exercise per muscle
group. The best exercises to use this method with
are the basic dumbbell mass builders and isolation
exercises. See table 6.21 for optimal exercises
to use with the rack pyramid method. Table 6.22
provides a sample rack pyramid workout for the
dumbbell biceps curl.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 6.21 Best Rack Pyramid Exercises
Muscle
group
Chest
Deltoids
Back
Traps
Thighs
Triceps
Biceps
Exercise
Dumbbell press (flat, incline, decline)
Dumbbell fly (flat, incline, decline)
Dumbbell press
Dumbbell raise (front, lateral, rear)
Dumbbell upright row
Dumbbell row
Dumbbell shrug
Dumbbell lunge
Lying dumbbell triceps extension
Overhead dumbbell triceps extension
Dumbbell curls (standing, seated,
incline)
TABLE 6.22 Rack It With the Biceps Curl
Set
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Weight
(pounds)
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
Reps
10
10
10
8
6
3
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
Rest
1 min
1 min
1 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
Inverted Pyramid
This pyramid system is the opposite of the triangle method. You simply start heavy, work down in
weight, and then work back up. Because it is so difficult, it is one of the more uncommon methods of
pyramid training. One example is that used by professional bodybuilder Dean Tornabane. You begin
with a weight you can perform 6 to 10 reps with
on your exercise of choice. Perform two more sets,
in which you decrease the weight each set just
enough to allow you to perform the same number of
reps as you did on the first set. After the third set,
you will do two more sets, increasing the weight by
the same increments by which you decreased the
weights previously. Because of the fatigue involved,
the last two sets will likely be in the low repetition
range of two to four. This is supposed to work
synergistically with the higher-rep sets performed
in the earlier sets to enhance muscle growth. See
table 6.23 for a sample inverted pyramid program.
This system can be performed with any exercise
for most muscle groups, but it is best performed
first in the workout with a basic exercise such as
the bench press, shoulder press, squat, barbell
curl, or triceps extension. This is best followed with
straight sets of one or two isolation exercises for
each muscle group.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.23 Getting Inverted
Use the shoulder press after two or three warm-up
sets.
Set
1
2
3
4
5
Weight
(pounds)
185
175
160
175
185
Repetitions
8
8
8
4
2
Rest
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
–
99
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Oxford Method
The Oxford descending pyramid technique uses the
back half of the triangle pyramid method. The benefit of the Oxford method is that it allows the heaviest
weight to be used on the first working set before
the muscles are fatigued by previous working sets
with lighter weight. With this descending pyramid
technique, the first set is done with 100 percent
of the 10RM to failure. Of course, this should be
preceded by one or two light warm-up sets. On the
second and third sets the weight is reduced just
enough to allow you to complete 10 reps to failure.
The Oxford seems to work well for gaining muscle
mass because each set is done to muscle failure.
Muscle failure is important for inducing muscle
growth. The reason is that reaching muscle failure
stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH)
and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Although the
Oxford method is typically described using 10 reps
per set, it can also be used with other rep ranges,
such as 6, 8, 12, or even 15 reps per set. See table
6.24 (Oxford Mass) for a sample program using the
Oxford descending pyramid technique. This can be
followed for four to six weeks before switching to a
different training method.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.24 Oxford Mass
TUESDAY: LEGS (continued)
MONDAY: CHEST AND TRICEPS
Exercise
Incline bench
press
Set
Weight
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM*
3
<100% 10RM
Dumbbell bench
1
100% 10RM
press
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Incline dumbbell
1
100% 10RM
fly
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Triceps
1
100% 10RM
pressdown
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Seated overhead
1
100% 10RM
triceps extension
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
TUESDAY: LEGS
Front squat
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Leg press
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Reps (to
failure)
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Exercise
Leg extension
Set
Weight
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Leg curl
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
THURSDAY: SHOULDERS
Dumbbell
1
100% 10RM
shoulder press
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Lateral raise
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Bent-over lateral
1
100% 10RM
raise
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Dumbbell shrugs
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Reps (to
failure)
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
*On second and third sets of each exercise, reduce weight just enough to allow 10 reps to be completed.
Note: Abs can be done at the end of any of these workouts.
> continued
100
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 6.24 Oxford Mass (continued)
FRIDAY: BACK AND BICEPS
Exercise
Lat pulldown
Dumbbell row
Straight-arm
pulldown
Set
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Weight
100% 10RM
<100% 10RM
<100% 10RM
100% 10RM
<100% 10RM
<100% 10RM
100% 10RM
<100% 10RM
<100% 10RM
Reps (to
failure)
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
FRIDAY: BACK AND BICEPS (continued)
Reps (to
Exercise
Set
Weight
failure)
Preacher curl
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Alternating
1
100% 10RM
10
dumbbell curl
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Reverse-grip curl
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
*On second and third sets of each exercise, reduce weight just enough to allow 10 reps to be completed.
Note: Abs can be done at the end of any of these workouts.
Breakdowns
This technique was devised by Fred Hatfield, PhD,
and used successfully by professional bodybuilder
Mike Quinn. It involves three distinct repetition
ranges for each of the three total sets that are
performed. Set 1 works with heavy weight (a
weight that limits you to 4 to 6 reps per set to work
the fast-twitch muscle fibers). Set 2 is performed
using 15 to 20 percent less weight than with set
1. This should allow about 10 to 15 repetitions
to be performed and enhances the biochemical
milieu within the muscle cells to stimulate muscle
growth. The last set, set 3, is performed with
about 50 percent less weight than the first set,
such that 25 to 30 reps are performed for training the slow-twitch muscle fibers. Rest periods
between sets should be about 2 to 3 minutes.
See table 6.25 for a sample breakdown workout
for triceps.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.25 Break Down to Build Up
Triceps
Exercise
Close-grip bench press
Lying triceps extension
Triceps pressdown
Weight
(pounds)
265
215
135
135
105
65
100
80
50
Set
number
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Reps
4
12
27
6
15
30
6
12
25
101
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Drop-Set Training
Drop-set training involves an immediate reduction
in the amount of weight being used so that you
can continue to complete more reps for that given
exercise. For example, if you can do 10 reps of
barbell curls with 100 pounds on the bar, you would
first complete 10 reps and then put the bar down
to quickly strip off about 20-30 percent (or about
20-30 pounds). You immediately perform as many
reps as possible with that weight before putting it
down and stripping another 20-30 percent off the
bar and doing more reps. This can continue as
many times as you like, although most bodybuilders do one or three drops per drop set. Regardless
of how many drops are done per drop set, it is
counted as only one set. Most bodybuilders perform about two or three drop sets per exercise.
Choose two exercises per muscle group, usually
one compound exercise and one isolation exercise,
and do three drop sets for each. Another way to
use drop-set training is to do the last set of every
exercise as a drop set.
The benefit of drop-set training is similar to that
of forced-rep training in that it lets you push your
muscles beyond their limits. Forcing the muscles
to continue contracting with lighter weight will
cause an elevated response of growth hormone
and IGF-I. The trick is to keep the rest between
drops to a minimum. It’s a good idea to have a
spotter help you strip the weight or use dumbbells
for the quickest drops in weight. See table 6.26
for a sample drop-set scheme for shoulder training
using dumbbell presses and lateral raises. This
is a good way to end a shoulder workout if it is
preceded by shoulder presses and upright rows.
Follow a similar plan for other muscle groups.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.26 Drop-It Delts
Set
1
2
3
1
2
3
DUMBBELL PRESS
Weight
(pounds)
Reps
65
10
45
7
30
5
65
9
45
6
30
4
60
10
40
6
30
3
LATERAL RAISE
35
12
25
8
15
7
30
12
20
7
10
6
30
10
20
6
10
4
Rest
None
None
2 min
None
None
2 min
None
None
None
None
2 min
None
None
2 min
None
None
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATE
REST PERIODS
Few bodybuilders realize that an effective way
to alter training programs to keep their progress
involves manipulating the rest periods between
sets. This changes the biochemical adaptations
the muscles undergo by altering the type of fuel
(ATP, creatine phosphate, or glycogen) they rely
on during sets and to recover with between sets.
The chemicals produced from the use of different
fuels can stimulate certain biochemical pathways
involved in the process of muscle growth. The following programs change the rest periods between
sets in an effort to stimulate muscle growth. This
can be done by decreasing the rest between sets
from workout to workout or by limiting the amount
of rest between sets.
Rest Rundown
This is a program where rest time between sets is
reduced by about 15 seconds every consecutive
workout. The program starts with three-minute
rest periods between sets and progressively
drops to about 15 seconds over a 12-week
period. The goal is to use the same weight for
the same amount of reps each week. While that
doesn’t seem like progress when looking at the
resistance used and the repetitions completed,
it is remarkable progress when considering the
drastic reductions in rest time. This trains the
biochemical pathways in the muscle to allow the
muscle to recover faster and allows for more reps
to be performed with a given weight. The ability
to do the same number of reps with the same
weight with less rest time between sets translates
to greater muscle growth. In fact, as discussed
in chapter 5, research shows that participants
following an eight-week strength-training program
that decreased the rest period between sets by 15
seconds every week had greater gains in muscle
mass than those keeping rest periods steady at
two minutes (Souza-Junior et al. 2011). Stay at
a rest range if you cannot complete reps in the
under-two-minute range. See table 6.27 for a
sample weekly progression of the rest rundown
program for an athlete who trains each body part
once per week. Bodybuilders often use the rest
rundown method to prepare for competition. This
is believed to help with muscle definition and to
decrease body fat because the workout is similar
to an aerobic-type workout.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
TABLE 6.27 Rest Rundown
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Rest between sets
3 min
2 min 45 sec
2 min 30 sec
2 min 15 sec
2 min
1 min 45 sec
1 min 30 sec
1 min 15 sec
1 min
45 sec
30 sec
15 sec
5
5
5
5
103
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Alternating Rest-Pause Program
This variation on Rest-Pause training is a unique way
to train using single-arm and single-leg exercises. As
you work one side of the body, the opposite side is
resting. You cycle back and forth from one side to
the other. To do this, choose a weight that allows you
to complete about 6 to 8 reps. We will use one-arm
dumbbell curls as an example. Do 3 reps of curls on
the right arm and immediately switch to the left arm
and do 3 reps of curls on the left arm. Then switch
to the right arm for 3 more reps of curls. Continue
in this fashion resting for 3 reps, then resting for
2 reps, and finally resting for 1 rep. In the end you
complete 14 reps per set with a weight you normally
could do for only 6 to 8 reps. You basically double
the amount of reps you can do with a given weight.
That pushes not only muscle growth but muscle
strength as well. And because you are using one limb
at a time, you are stronger than you are when you
use two arms. That is, when you perform single-arm
exercises, like a one-arm dumbbell curl, you can curl
more weight than half of what you could curl on a
barbell using both arms, which leads to even greater
gains in muscle strength.
On the last set of each exercise, do as many
reps as you can on the final rest that is supposed
to be just one rep. Not only will this increase the
intensity on the last set, but it will also serve as
a barometer for the appropriateness of the weight
you selected. If you can do more than one rep
on the final rest of the final set of an exercise,
increase the weight by 5 to 10 pounds the next
workout. If you can complete only one rep on the
final rest of the final set, then the weight you
selected is perfect. If you can’t complete the final
rep on the final set, then during the next workout
reduce the weight by 5 to 10 pounds. If you can’t
complete the final rep on any of the first two sets,
then reduce the weight by 5 to 10 pounds on the
next set.
Follow the Alternating Rest-Pause program in
table 6.28 for four weeks and then switch to a
new training program.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.28 Alternating Rest-Pause Program
TUESDAY: LEGS
MONDAY: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS
Muscle
group
Chest
Triceps
Exercise
Sets Reps
One-arm dumbbell
3
3, 3, 3,
bench press*
2, 2, 1
Smith machine one-arm 3
3, 3, 3,
incline bench press
2, 2, 1
One-arm low pulley
3
3, 3, 3,
cable crossover
2, 2, 1
One-arm cable
3
3, 3, 3,
crossover
2, 2, 1
One-arm triceps
3
3, 3, 3,
pressdown
2, 2, 1
One-arm lying triceps
3
3, 3, 3,
extension
2, 2, 1
One-arm dumbbell
3
3, 3, 3,
overhead extension
2, 2, 1
Abs*
* Do your normal ab workout here.
Muscle
group
Legs
Exercise
One-leg press
Smith machine reverse
lunge
Dumbbell step-up
One-leg extension
One-leg curl
Calves
One-leg calf raise
One-leg seated calf
raise
Sets Reps
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
> continued
104
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 6.28 Alternating Rest-Pause Program (continued)
THURSDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Muscle
group
Shoulders
Traps
FRIDAY: BACK AND BICEPS
Muscle
group
Back
Exercise
Sets Reps
One-arm dumbbell
3
3, 3, 3,
shoulder press
2, 2, 1
One-arm Smith machine 3
3, 3, 3,
upright row
2, 2, 1
One-arm cable lateral
3
3, 3, 3,
raise
2, 2, 1
One-arm dumbbell bent- 3
3, 3, 3,
over lateral raise
2, 2, 1
One-arm Smith machine 3
3, 3, 3,
shrug
2, 2, 1
Exercise
Dumbbell power row
One-arm pulldown
One-arm seated cable
row
One-arm straight-arm
pulldown
One-arm dumbbell curl
Biceps
Abs*
One-arm dumbbell
incline curl
One-arm dumbbell
preacher curl
* Do your normal ab workout here.
Sets Reps
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
3
3, 3, 3,
2, 2, 1
Quality Training
the GH response, as well as the IGF-I response
(which is associated with GH levels), would be
higher with this type of training. See table 6.29
for a sample quality training workout for triceps.
Quality training is a system that keeps the rest periods between sets at 1 minute or less regardless
of the exercise or weight used. Many bodybuilders
swear by this technique for adding muscle mass
and, therefore, always keep their rest periods
under a minute regardless of how heavily they are
training. From a physiological standpoint, there is
some evidence to support the anecdotal reports.
Keeping rest periods between sets to a minimum
will cause lactate levels to reach fairly high levels.
Since lactate levels are associated with GH levels,
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
TABLE 6.29 Quality Training Workout for Triceps
Exercise
Close-grip bench press
Triceps pressdown
One-arm overhead extension
Sets
3
3
3
Reps
8-10
8-12
10-15
Rest between sets
60 seconds
30-45 seconds
As long as it takes to finish other arm
5
5
5
5
105
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Power Circuit Training
This is a type of circuit training that involves the use
of basic power movements with heavy weight. Typical
circuit training involves the use of machines and very
light weight. What they both have in common is that
the goal is to move from one exercise to the next with
no scheduled rest between exercises. Instead of doing
several sets for an exercise, you would do only one set
of an exercise before moving to a new exercise. In the
end, you will complete several sets of each exercise
after running through the circuit several times.
Power circuits are designed to increase strength
and muscle size while helping decrease body fat.
The continuous movement of circuit training keeps
your metabolism high through the whole workout.
Research studies show that keeping rest periods
under 30 seconds burns the most calories regardless
of how much weight is used and how many reps are
performed. Research also suggests that fat use by
the body after exercise is increased more with power
circuits than with a traditional weightlifting program.
With power circuits the lifter does about 30 total reps
for each body part with a weight that is about 75 to 85
percent of the one-rep max (or a weight that could be
lifted for 8 to 10 reps). With power circuits it is wise to
use either a training partner who can watch the clock
or a watch to monitor exercise time. Each exercise
in the circuit is performed for 15 seconds. The goal
is to complete as many reps as possible in those
15 seconds before moving on to the next exercise
without resting. When a total of 30 reps have been
completed for an exercise, the exercise is eliminated
from the circuit and a 15-second rest period is set in
its place on the following circuit rounds. For example,
if you complete 17 reps on the first pass through the
circuit and 13 the second time through, on your third
trip through the circuit, instead of doing more calf
raises, you would stop and rest for that 15 seconds
before moving on to the next exercise.
The order of exercises in the circuit will affect
the level of muscle fatigue that is reached during
the power circuit. It is wise to alternate upper- and
lower-body exercises to allow the muscles to recover
and delay fatigue when doing power circuits, such
as in table 6.30. Whenever possible, push and
pull exercises should be alternated as well. For
instance, if the power circuit starts with a pulling
exercise such as pull-downs and then moves to a
lower-body exercise such as the leg press for the
quads, the next upper-body exercise should then be
a pushing exercise such as the bench press, and
the next lower-body exercise could be a leg curl for
the hamstrings. Ideally, the power circuit should be
completed in less than 25 minutes. Full-body power
circuits can be done twice a week as long as at least
two days of rest are allowed between workouts.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.30 Circuit Breaker
Exercise
Bent-over row
Leg press
Bench press
Leg curl
Barbell curl
Standing calf raise
Standing military press
Back extension
Lying triceps extension
CIRCUIT I
Time
(seconds) Reps*
15
8
15
8
15
8
15
10
15
10
15
15
15
8
15
10
15
10
Rest 2 min
CIRCUIT II
Time
(seconds) Reps*
15
8
15
8
15
8
15
8
15
10
15
15
15
8
15
8
15
10
Rest 2 min
CIRCUIT III
Time
(seconds) Reps*
15
8
15
8
15
8
15
6
15
10
15
0
15
8
15
6
15
10
Rest 2 min
CIRCUIT IV
Time
(seconds) Reps*
15
6
15
6
15
6
15
6
15
0
15
0
15
6
15
6
15
0
*Reps listed are a suggested goal; do as many as you can in 15 seconds, and do as many passes through the circuit as it takes to reach
30 reps total in each exercise.
Note: For all weighted exercises, use a weight equal to 75 percent to 85 percent of the 1RM (or a weight that normally can be lifted for 8 to 10
reps on that exercise). For example, if you can bench-press 200 pounds for 1 rep, in the circuit you should load the bar with 150 to 170 pounds.
106
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATE
EXERCISE SELECTION
There are hundreds of strength training exercises
that can be performed (see part V for a complete
listing of common strength training exercises). With
so many exercises to choose from for each muscle
group, it only makes sense that one way to design a
training program is through manipulation of exercise
choices. This can be done by changing the order
of compound and isolation exercises for a given
muscle group, making minute changes in the way
exercises are performed (changes in grip or spacing of feet), limiting the workout to a specific type
of equipment, or performing exercises that train
only one side of the body. All such methods can
be effective means of increasing your muscle size.
Preexhaust Training
This training method involves performing an isolation
exercise before a multijoint exercise for that same
muscle group. The point is to fatigue the muscle
being trained with the isolation exercise so that it
becomes the weak link in the multijoint exercise. For
instance, an isolated muscle group such as the deltoids is fatigued (or preexhausted) with a single-joint
exercise, such as the dumbbell lateral raise, before
training it with a heavier, compound movement such
as the dumbbell shoulder press. The reason for this
is that the compound exercise involves the targeted
muscle as well as at least one assistance muscle.
During the shoulder press, the deltoids are assisted
by the triceps. While this helps to lift more weight
on the compound exercise, it can limit the muscle
fatigue the targeted muscle receives. This is especially true if the assistance muscle is much weaker
than the targeted muscle. If this is true, then often
the exercise ends when the assistance muscle, not
the targeted muscle, has fatigued.
Preexhaust works to fatigue the primary muscle
group via the isolation exercise so that it can be
further fatigued on the compound exercise that
follows. Of course, the strength of the targeted
muscle will be compromised on the second exercise. This prevents most bodybuilders from using
the preexhaust method regularly, yet some use it
specifically to limit the amount of weight they can
use on the compound exercise. If a bodybuilder
has an injury that is aggravated by a specific
compound move, preexhaust training will limit the
amount of weight he or she can use on the set
and thus limit the overall stress placed on the
injured muscle or joint. Preexhaust can be followed
for four to six weeks or done for each body part
once every four to six workouts. See table 6.31
for good exercise choices to pair up for preexhaust
training. For a routine, do three sets of 10 to 15
reps on the first exercise and three sets of 6 to
10 reps on the second. Or to use this system as
a compound set, do one set of 10 to 15 reps on
the first exercise and immediately follow with one
set of 6 to 10 reps on the second one. Rest about
two to three minutes and repeat this process twice.
Regardless of which method you choose, follow the
preexhaust pairs with one other exercise for that
muscle group done in straight-set fashion.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.31 Sample Preexhaust Exercise
Pairs
Muscle
group
Chest
Isolation
exercise
Pec deck
Incline fly
Cable
crossover
Shoulders Dumbbell
lateral raise
Front raise
Back
Straight-arm
pulldown
Triceps
Triceps
pressdown
Overhead
extension
Biceps
Preacher curl
Legs
Leg extension
Leg curl
Multijoint exercise
Bench press
Incline bench press
Decline bench press
Dumbbell shoulder
press
Barbell shoulder press
Pull-down, pull-up,
barbell row
Triceps dip
Close-grip bench press
Close-grip chin-up
Leg press
Squat
107
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Extended-Set Training
This is a unique method that uses several variations
of one exercise. The variations of that exercise are
ordered from hardest to easiest. An example of this
can be explained using the dumbbell bench press.
The hardest version of the dumbbell bench press is
on an incline bench set between 30 and 45 degrees.
Doing a dumbbell bench press on a flat bench is
easier than doing an incline dumbbell bench press
but harder than doing a decline dumbbell bench
press. Thus, an example of extended-set training
using the dumbbell bench press would be to do
one set of incline dumbbell bench press followed
immediately by one set of dumbbell bench press on
a flat bench using the same amount of weight and
finishing with one set of decline dumbbell bench
press with the same weight. Because the rest time
is minimal between each bench adjustment, these
three exercises can be considered one extended set.
Each adjustment with extended-set training
places the body in a position that is stronger than
the previous position. This makes the weight easier
to lift on each successive position change, allowing
you to continue doing more reps, when normally
you would have failed if your body position had not
changed. Not only does this allow you to train with
more intensity, but the change in body position also
increases the number of muscle fibers targeted in
each specific muscle group.
To follow extended-set training, first choose a
weight that normally limits you to four or five reps on
the first exercise (even though you will attempt no
more than four reps). For each change in exercise
movement for that extended set, you will attempt
two to four reps. Do not do more than four reps on
any exercise except on the final movement of the
extended set. You can work to failure on the last
exercise of all extended sets. If you have three or
four exercise changes per extended set, you will have
a total of about 7 to 16 reps. So in essence, you are
using a weight on each movement that is best for
strength gains, but at the end of the extended set
the total reps that the muscle group has performed
fall in the range that is optimal for muscle growth.
The first exercise movement should be the exercise that your body is weakest at compared to all
other exercises in the extended set. Each successive exercise movement in the extended set should
be one that your body is stronger at compared to
the previous exercise yet weaker than the one
that follows. Rest time between sets will always
be minimal but can be varied depending on the
biomechanical advantage gained in the proceeding
set. Some exercises will be dramatically easier than
the previous one; for these, rest should involve
changing only your body position. Some exercises
provide a minimal biomechanical advantage; for
these you may rest up to 15 seconds before performing. Rest between extended sets for three to
four minutes. Perform between one and three sets
for each extended set, depending on the number of
exercise movements used in the extended set and
the number of years training experience you have.
This is an extremely advanced training technique
because it involves heavy weight with very little
rest. These two training techniques are usually at
opposition to one another, meaning you either train
heavy or fast, but rarely ever both—until now.
For most bodybuilders, doing one extended set
will suffice. This will depend on the amount of exercise movements you include in each extended set
as well as your training experience. Some extended
sets involve as few as two different movements
(such as with shrugs), while some include as many
as nine (such as with the ultimate biceps extended
set). See examples of extended sets in table 6.32.
The more exercise movements per extended set,
the fewer total extended sets you will need. Most
lifters will need about two or three extended sets for
the trap workout, while many will struggle to finish
one ultimate biceps extended set.
You can incorporate extended sets into your training in a number of ways. You can do one extended
set per muscle group along with other straight sets
for that muscle group. You can do one giant extended
set per muscle group. Or you can choose two different extended sets for each muscle group—as long
as they complement each other and do not mimic
exercise movements. Follow extended-set training
for about 4 to 6 weeks, and follow it with a training
program that incorporates standard sets and higher
reps such as the finish pump method or triangle
training method. Do not return to extended-set training for at least 12 weeks. There are several reasons
for this. The first is the intensity factor, as described
previously. The other problem is exercise order. With
this style of training, many of the basic movements
are trained toward the end of the extended set. This
is the reverse order of a typical bodybuilding workout.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.32 Extended Gains
Muscle
group
Chest
Variations
1. Incline fly: 3-4 reps
Rest only long enough to adjust bench.
2. Flat fly: 2-4 reps
Rest only long enough to adjust bench.
3. Decline fly: 2-4 reps
Dumbbell press
1. Incline press: 3-4 reps
Rest only long enough to adjust bench.
2. Flat press: 2-4 reps
Rest only long enough to adjust bench.
3. Decline press: 2-4 reps
Cable crossover
1. Cable crossover from low pulley: 3-4 reps
Rest only long enough to change pulley.
2. Cable crossover from high pulley: 2-4 reps
Immediately switch to cable press with no rest.
3. Cable chest press: 2-4 reps
Barbell bench press
1. Bench press to neck: 3-4 reps
Immediately switch movement without rest.
2. Bench press to nipple: 2-4 reps
Rest only long enough to rack the bar and change body position.
3. Bench press to lower chest (feet on bench, butt up and off of bench)
Ultimate declining extended set for chest: Do both the dumbbell fly and dumbbell press extended sets in succession
with the same weight.
Back
Pulldown and pull-up
1. Behind-the-neck pulldown or pull-up: 3-4 reps
Immediately bring bar to front of head and continue.
2. Wide-grip pulldown or pull-up to front: 2-4 reps
Rest for only 15 seconds.
3. Close-grip pulldown or pull-up to front: 2-4 reps
Rest just long enough to switch grip.
4. Reverse-grip pulldown or chin-up: 2-4 reps
Row (barbell or seated 1. Wide-grip (beyond shoulder width) row: 3-4 reps
cable)
Rest for 15 seconds.
2. Close-grip (shoulder width) or neutral-grip row: 2-4 reps
Rest just long enough to switch grip or handle.
3. Underhand-grip row: 2-4 reps
Shoulders Barbell
1. Wide-grip upright row: 3-4 reps
Rest only long enough to rack the bar and change body position.
2. Behind-the-neck press: 2-4 reps
Immediately switch to presses in front of neck.
3. Front press: 2-4 reps
Dumbbell lateral raise 1. Lateral raise with straight arms and dumbbells at your sides: 3-4 reps
Immediately go into next movement with no rest.
2. Lateral raise with straight arms and dumbbells in front of your thighs:
2-4 reps
Immediately go into next movement with no rest.
3. Lateral raise with arms bent 90 degrees at elbows
108
Exercise
Dumbbell fly
Muscle
group
Shoulders
(continued)
Exercise
Variations
Complete dumbbell delt 1. Bent-over laterals: 3-4 reps
workout
Immediately go into next movement with no rest.
2. Front raise: 2-4 reps
Immediately go into next movement with no rest.
3. Lateral raise: 2-4 reps
Immediately go into next movement with no rest.
4. Dumbbell upright row: 2-4 reps
Immediately go into next movement with no rest.
5. Standing dumbbell press: 2-4 reps
Traps
Barbell shrug
1. Behind-the-back barbell shrug: 3-4 reps
Rest only long enough to change body position and grip.
2. Barbell shrug: 2-4 reps
Legs
Squat
1. Front squat narrow stance (feet hip width or closer): 3-4 reps
Do not rack the weight; just adjust your stance and immediately continue.
2. Front squat wide stance (feet wider than shoulder width): 2-4 reps
Rack the weight and rest just long enough to switch the bar position.
3. Back squat narrow stance: 2-4 reps
Do not rack the weight; just adjust your stance and immediately continue.
4. Back squat wide stance: 2-4 reps
Leg press
1. Single-leg press: 3-4 reps each leg
Rack the sled and rest for just 15 seconds.
2. Feet together: 2-4 reps
Rack the sled just long enough to change foot position.
3. Feet wide (beyond shoulder width): 2-4 reps
Biceps
Reverse-grip dumbbell 1. Incline (~45 degrees) reverse-grip dumbbell curl: 3-4 reps
curl
2. Seated reverse-grip dumbbell curl: 2-4 reps
3. Standing reverse-grip dumbbell curl: 2-4 reps
Perform all 3 movements in succession with no rest and without putting
down the dumbbells.
Dumbbell curl
1. Incline (~45 degrees) dumbbell curl: 3-4 reps
2. Seated dumbbell curl: 2-4 reps
3. Standing dumbbell curl: 2-4 reps
Perform all 3 movements in succession with no rest and without putting
down the dumbbells.
Hammer curl
1. Incline (~45 degrees) hammer curl: 3-4 reps
2. Seated hammer curl: 2-4 reps
3. Standing hammer curl: 2-4 reps
Perform all 3 movements in succession with no rest and without putting
down the dumbbells.
Barbell curl
1. Reverse-grip curl: 3-4 reps
Rest just long enough to switch grip.
2. Wide-grip (2-4 inches beyond shoulder width) curl: 2-4 reps
Rest for 15 seconds.
3. Close-grip (hip width) curl: 2-4 reps
Ultimate biceps extended set: Do all three dumbbell extended sets with just 15 seconds of a break between each.
> continued
109
110
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 6.32 Extended Gains (continued)
Muscle
group
Triceps
Exercise
Lying triceps extension
Variations
1. Lying extension to forehead: 3-4 reps
Without rest, go into next movement.
2. Lying extension to nose: 2-4 reps
Without rest, go into next movement.
3. Lying extension to chin (allow elbows to flare out): 2-4 reps
Without rest, go into next movement.
4. Close-grip bench press: 2-4 reps
Triceps pressdown
1. Reverse-grip pressdown: 3-4 reps
Rest only long enough to switch grip and body position.
2. Overhead extension (from high pulley): 2-4 reps
Rest only long enough to switch grip and body position.
3. Pressdown: 2-4 reps
Abs
Lower abs
1. Hanging leg raise: ~10-15 reps
Without rest, go into hanging knee raise.
2. Hanging knee raise: ~5-10 reps
Rest only long enough to get into position.
3. Reverse crunch straight legs: ~10-15 reps
Without rest, switch to bent legs.
4. Reverse crunch bent legs ~5-10 reps
Upper abs
1. Decline bench crunch: ~10-15 reps
Rest only long enough to switch body position.
2. Crunch: ~10-15 reps
Rest only long enough to get into position.
3. Standing cable crunch: ~10-15 reps
Rest only long enough to switch body position.
4. Kneeling cable crunch: ~10-15 reps
Because abs are a unique muscle group when it comes to resistance training, reps for abdominal extended sets
will typically be much higher than the rep range used for the other muscle groups. As with the other muscle groups,
perform each ab movement close to failure.
Small-Angle Training
Small-angle training is similar to extended set in
concept. It uses multiple variations of a single exercise to ensure that all muscle fibers in a muscle
are adequately trained.
To understand the concept of exercise angles,
you need to know the basic structure of muscle.
One important but surprising fact is that individual muscle fibers rarely run the entire length of
the muscle. Muscles are actually composed of a
sequence of one- to four-inch (two-and-a-half- to
ten-centimeter) segments of muscle fiber linked
together. For that reason, you can’t think of muscle
fibers as being synonymous with the actual muscle.
This is critical, as the growth of each muscle fiber
depends on whether it is actually stimulated during
a particular exercise. In many cases, muscle fibers
remain unused and just go along for the ride during a
lifting movement. Whether the fiber is used depends
not only on the amount of resistance but also on
the angle of the exercise and the specific range of
motion used in the exercise. If the angle (such as
in the flat bench press versus incline bench press)
and the range of motion (such as partial movements
versus full range of motion) do not call a specific
muscle fiber into action, no growth will occur in
that fiber. To make sure you hit each muscle fiber
and stimulate it to grow, you have to use a variety
of exercises. And even for a given exercise, you
must use variety. For example, on dumbbell bench
presses, you can adjust the angle of the bench from
111
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
a 30-degree decline to a 45-degree incline in as
many increments as the benches will allow.
See table 6.33 for a sample small-angle training program. This program capitalizes on minute
changes in the angles used to work the major
muscle groups. Train each muscle group only once
per week.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.33 Small-Angle Workout
Exercise
Flat bench press*
Set number
Warm-up
Warm-up
1
2
3
4
5
6
WORKOUT 1
CHEST
Reps Exercise specifics
10
Shoulder-width grip
10
6-8 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
6-8 Natural grip (most comfortable grip)
6-8 Shoulder-width grip
6-8 2 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
4-8 4 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
4-8 6 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
4-8 8 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
*As an alternative, perform the incline bench press with the same grip progression.
Dumbbell fly
1
8-10 45- to 60-degree decline
2
8-10 15- to 30-degree decline
3
8-10 Flat
4
6-10 15- to 30-degree incline
5
6-10 45-degree incline
As an alternative to flys, try this cable crossover progression:
Cable crossover
1
8-10 From bottom position
2
8-10 Halfway between bottom and shoulder height
3
8-10 Shoulder height
4
8-10 From top pulley
TRICEPS
Extension or pressdown
Warm-up
10
Seated overhead extension (with dumbbell)
Warm-up
10
Seated pressdown
1
8-10 Seated overhead extension (with dumbbell)
2
6-8 Seated overhead extension (with dumbbell)
3
8-10 Lying triceps extension over top of head (arms angled
at 45 degrees)
4
8-10 Lying triceps extension to forehead
5
8-10 Pressdown with torso bent slightly forward
6
8-10 Pressdown with upright torso (rope handle)
7
6-8 Pressdown with upright torso (straight bar)
Dip
1
6-10 Parallel bars
2
6-10 Bench
> continued
TABLE 6.33 Small-Angle Workout (continued)
WORKOUT 1 (continued)
ABS
Exercise
Set number Reps Exercise specifics
Hanging knee raise to sides
1
15-20
Hanging knee raise
2
15-20
Decline bench crunch
3
15-20
V-up
4
15-20
Oblique crunch
5
15-20
Crunch
6
15-20
Perform all exercises with minimal rest between sets.
WORKOUT 2
BACK
Cable pulldown or row
Warm-up
10
Pulldown behind neck
Warm-up
10
Pulldown to upper chest
1
8-10 Pulldown behind neck
2
8-10 Pulldown to upper chest, wide grip
3
6-10 Pulldown to upper chest, narrow grip
4
6-8 Hammer front pulldown or standing row from high pulley
5
6-8 Standing row from pulley (chest level) or seated row
6
6-8 Standing row from low pulley
Barbell row
Warm-up
10
Natural grip (most comfortable grip)
1
6-8 Natural grip
2
6-8 8 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
3
6-8 6 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
4
6-8 4 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
5
6-8 2 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
6
6-8 Shoulder-width grip
BICEPS
Curl
Warm-up
10
Supine curl
Warm-up
10
Standing curl
1
8-10 Supine curl
2
8-10 15-degree incline curl
3
8-10 30-degree incline curl
4
8-10 45-degree incline curl
5
8-10 60-degree incline curl
6
8-10 75-degree incline curl
7
8-10 Standing dumbbell alternating curl
8
8-10 Preacher curl
9
8-10 Scott curl
10
8-10 Overhead curl (on cable pulldown machine)
As an alternative way to hit biceps, try this barbell curl progression:
Barbell curl
Warm-up
10
Wide grip
Warm-up
10
Shoulder-width grip
1
8-10 Natural grip (most comfortable grip)
2
8-10 6 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
112
Exercise
Barbell curl (continued)
Dumbbell press
Dumbbell raise
WORKOUT 2 (continued)
BICEPS (continued)
Set number Reps Exercise specifics
3
6-10 4 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
4
6-10 2 inches beyond shoulder-width grip
5
6-10 Shoulder-width grip
6
6-10 Narrow grip (hands about 4 inches apart)
WORKOUT 3
SHOULDERS
Warm-up set
10
Arnold press
Warm-up set
10
Palms facing forward
1
6-8 Arnold press
2
6-8 Neutral grip
3
6-8 Palms facing forward
4
4-8 Palms facing forward
1
8-10 Front raise (with neutral grip) (perform one arm at a time)
2
8-10 45-degree front raise*
3
8-10 Lateral raise
4
8-10 Lateral raise
5
8-10 30-degree rear raise**
6
8-10 Bent-over lateral raise
7
8-10 Bent-over lateral raise
*Perform similar to lateral raise, but raise arm to a point halfway between front raise and lateral raise.
**Perform similar to lateral raise, but raise arm to a point 30 degrees behind lateral raise.
ABS
Hanging knee raise
1
15-20
Decline bench crossover crunch
2
15-20
Decline bench crunch
3
15-20
Exercise-ball pull-in
4
15-20
Reverse crunch
5
15-20
Crossover crunch
6
15-20
Perform all exercises with minimal rest between sets.
WORKOUT 4
LEGS
Squat*
Warm-up
10
Wide stance
Warm-up
10
Narrow stance
1
6-10 Shoulder-width stance
2
6-10 Shoulder-width stance
3
6-10 Hip-width stance
4
6-10 4 inches wider than hip-width stance
5
6-10 6 inches wider than hip-width stance
6
6-10 8 inches wider than hip-width stance
7
6-10 10 inches wider than hip-width stance
8
6-10 12 inches wider than hip-width stance
*As an alternative, perform on leg press or hack squat (though you may be limited by the width of the foot plate).
> continued
113
TABLE 6.33 Small-Angle Workout (continued)
WORKOUT 4 (continued)
LEGS (continued)
As an alternative to the squat, leg press, or hack squat, try this lunge progression:
Exercise
Set number Reps Exercise specifics
Lunge
1
10-15 Forward lunge
2
10-15 45-degree side lunge*
3
6-10 Side lunge
4
6-10 45-degree reverse lunge**
5
6-10 Reverse lunge
*Perform as a cross between a forward lunge and a side lunge. Your foot should land halfway between both points.
**Perform as a cross between the side lunge and the reverse lunge. Your foot should land halfway between the side lunge and the
reverse lunge.
Leg extension
Stiff-leg deadlift
Lying leg curl*
1
2
3
4
1-3
1
2
3
10-12
10-12
8-12
8-12
10-12
10-12
10-12
8-12
Toes straight up
Toes straight up
Toes turned out
Toes turned in
Bring barbell just past knees
Toes straight down
Toes turned in
Toes turned out
*As an alternative, perform on a seated or standing leg curl machine.
Standing calf raise*
1
2
3
10-15 Toes straight forward
10-15 Toes turned out
10-15 Toes turned in
*As an alternative, perform on a leg press, donkey calf machine, or calf slide machine.
Seated calf raise
Note: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
114
1
2
3
10-15 Toes straight forward
10-15 Toes turned out
8-15 Toes turned in
115
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Barbell Blasting
The purpose of this training method is to limit all
exercise choices to the barbell and use a variety of
barbell exercises to stimulate each muscle group
from a variety of angles. This serves as a good
way to mix up your training for a short while and
get creative with the exercises you can perform
with a barbell. It’s also great if you train at home
and do not own dumbbells.
One way to do barbell blasting is by performing
all exercises in a power rack, which will save time
and provide safety, especially for those who train
alone. See table 6.34 for a sample barbell blast
program that hits each major muscle group using
a three-day training split. This program can be
done once or twice per week. Regardless of the
frequency, follow it for no more than three weeks
straight before switching to a program that offers
more variety of exercises. You can also use barbell blasting by throwing it into a workout here or
there for some sporadic variety or when the gym
is crowded and not much else is available besides
a barbell and a power rack.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.34 Have a Blast
WORKOUT 1: CHEST AND TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Incline barbell bench press (shoulder2
8-10
width grip)
Incline barbell bench press (wide grip) 2
8-10
Decline barbell bench press
3
6-8
Flat barbell bench press
3
6-8
Reverse-grip barbell bench press
2
8-10
Close-grip barbell bench press
2
6-8
Seated barbell triceps extension
2 10-12
Skull crusher
2
8-10
WORKOUT 2: LEGS, SHOULDERS, TRAPS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Barbell front squat
3
8-10
Barbell back squat
3
6-8
Barbell hack squat
3
6-8
Barbell lunge
3
8-10
Barbell Romanian deadlift
3 10-12
Barbell standing calf raise
3 10-12
Barbell seated calf raise
3 15-20
Standing barbell shoulder press
Barbell front raise
Barbell upright row (wide grip)
Barbell upright row (close grip)
Barbell shrug
Barbell behind-the-back shrug
3
3
3
3
2
2
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
6-8
8-10
WORKOUT 3: BACK, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Barbell bent-over row (overhand
3
8-10
shoulder-width grip)
Barbell bent-over row (overhand wide
3
8-10
grip)
Barbell bent-over row (underhand grip) 3
8-10
Barbell decline bench pullover
3 10-12
Barbell curl
3
8-10
Barbell incline bench spider curl
3 10-12
Barbell preacher curl
3 10-12
Barbell reverse-grip curl
2 10-12
Barbell wrist curl
2 10-12
Barbell reverse wrist curl
2 10-12
116
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
One-Sided Training
This method of training uses exercises that focus
on just one side of the body. This is known as
unilateral training. Most training programs neglect
unilateral training; at best, some include a onearm or one-leg exercise here or there, such as
the concentration curl or one-leg leg press. This
can lead to imbalances in muscle strength and
development.
Research shows that you can produce more
force on each side of the body when you perform
unilateral exercises than you could produce
during bilateral exercises, such as the barbell
bench press. In addition, because there are
crossover effects from training a muscle on one
side of the body, one-sided training can encourage better muscle growth on the untrained side.
That is, the resting side also receives nervous
stimulation from the increased blood flow that is
caused by exercising the muscles on the other
side of the body. This enhances the delivery of
oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the resting
muscles while helping to flush away waste products from the previous workouts. The result may
be better muscle regeneration and growth of the
muscles.
Another benefit of one-sided training is that
it trains the core muscles (the visible and deep
muscles of the abdomen and low back) that are
important for a better overall strength base.
Perhaps the best point about one-sided training,
however, is the pure novelty of the stimulus that
it places on the body. It stimulates the nervous
system and muscle fibers in a more unique way
than any other training programs. New stimuli
may lead to gains in muscle mass and muscle
strength.
One-sided training breaks up workouts into rightside and left-side training days. In other words,
muscles on the left side of the body (such as
biceps and triceps) are trained on one day, and
the same muscles on the right side of the body
are trained on a different day. The program (shown
in table 6.35) consists of four workouts per week
that train the entire body once. Workout 1 consists
of the right chest, shoulder, traps, triceps, back,
and biceps. Workout 2 consists of the left chest,
shoulder, traps, triceps, back, and biceps. On workout 3 you would hit the right quad, hams, glutes,
and calves. Workout 4 closes out the body with the
left quad, hams, glutes, and calves. Abs can be
trained at the end of the first and fourth workout.
The volume of work performed per muscle group
is fairly low (two exercises per muscle group for
two or three sets per exercise) because this type
of training is somewhat shocking on the nervous
system. The weight used should be light enough
to allow for 10 to 12 reps per set. Follow the onesided training for only two to four weeks before
switching back to normal bilateral training, and do
not revisit this alternative training style more than
once every four to six months.
In addition to the exercises given in the sample
workouts, there are many other unilateral exercises
you can perform for each muscle group. Table 6.36
contains a list of options you can try.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.35 Side-by-Side Training
WORKOUT 1: RIGHT UPPER BODY (CHEST, SHOULDERS,
TRAPS, TRICEPS, BACK, BICEPS)
Muscle
group
Exercise
Sets Reps
Chest
One-arm dumbbell chest
3
10
press
One-arm cable fly
3
12
Shoulder
One-arm dumbbell
3
10
shoulder press
One-arm cable lateral raise 3
12
Trapezius One-arm Smith machine
3
10
shrug
Triceps
Dumbbell kickback
2
12
One-arm overhead triceps
2
12
extension
Back
Dumbbell row
3
10
One-arm pulldown
3
12
Biceps
One-arm preacher curl
2
12
Dumbbell concentration
2
12
curl
WORKOUT 2: LEFT UPPER BODY (CHEST, SHOULDERS,
TRAPS, TRICEPS, BACK, BICEPS)
Chest
One-arm dumbbell chest
3
10
press
One-arm cable fly
3
12
Shoulder
One-arm dumbbell
3
10
shoulder press
One-arm cable lateral raise 3
12
Trapezius One-arm Smith machine
3
10
shrug
WORKOUT 2: LEFT UPPER BODY (continued)
Muscle
group
Exercise
Sets Reps
Triceps
Dumbbell kickback
2
12
One-arm overhead triceps
2
12
extension
Back
Dumbbell row
3
10
One-arm pulldown
3
12
Biceps
One-arm preacher curl
2
12
Dumbbell concentration
2
12
curl
WORKOUT 3: RIGHT LOWER BODY (QUADS,
HAMSTRINGS, GLUTES, CALVES)
Legs
One-leg leg press
3
10
One-leg leg extension
3
12
One-leg Romanian deadlift
3
10
One-leg leg curl
3
12
One-leg calf raise on leg
2
12
press
One-leg seated calf raise
2
12
WORKOUT 4: LEFT LOWER BODY (QUADS,
HAMSTRINGS, GLUTES, CALVES)
Legs
One-leg leg press
3
10
One-leg leg extension
3
12
One-leg Romanian deadlift
3
10
One-leg leg curl
3
12
One-leg calf raise on leg
2
12
press
One-leg seated calf raise
2
12
TABLE 6.36 Exercises on the Side
Muscle
group
Chest
Exercise
One-arm dumbbell incline press
One-arm dumbbell decline press
One-arm dumbbell fly (flat, incline, decline)
One-arm cable crossover
Shoulders One-arm front raise (dumbbell or cable)
One-arm dumbbell lateral raise
One-arm bent-over lateral raise (dumbbell
or cable)
One-arm dumbbell upright row
Traps
One-arm dumbbell shrug
Triceps
Cable kickback
One-arm triceps pressdown (D-handle or rope)
One-arm lying triceps extension
Muscle
group
Back
Biceps
Quads
Exercise
One-arm seated row
One-arm straight-arm pulldown
One-arm straight-arm kickback
Cable concentration curl
One-arm dumbbell curl (seated, incline,
standing)
One-arm cable curl from high pulley
Step-up
Lunge
Squat
117
118
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Bookend Training
The workouts in Bookend training, found in table
6.37, are bookended by the same exercise. Doing
these exercises twice allows you to milk that exercise for all the benefits it offers. And those benefits
include increased size, strength, and fat loss.
By doing these exercises at the beginning and
end of the workout, you maximize muscle growth
and strength. That’s because you do the exercise
first when you are freshest and strongest, which
maximizes your strength and the mechanical overload you place on the muscles. When you do the
exercise at the start of the workout you will use
heavy weights and lower reps (6-8 per set). This rep
range is best for building strength and mass due
to the heavier load it places on the muscles, which
maximizes muscle damage, and therefore strength
gains and growth. When you damage muscle fibers,
they are replaced with new ones that grow bigger
and stronger in an effort to adapt to the overload
placed on them. But that’s just one way that muscles
grow. Using this rep range also better stimulates the
production of the anabolic hormone testosterone.
When you work that same exercise at the very end
of the workout, you are preexhausted by the exercises that preceded it. This maximizes the fatigue
that you place on the muscles, as does the rep range
you will use at these points. You’ll do three sets at
the end of the workout. Set 1 uses the same weight
that you started with. This is to further enhance the
muscle damage you started at the beginning of the
workout by forcing the muscles to move that weight
when they are already fatigued. You’ll be able to
get only a few reps because of this, but every one
of these reps will push muscle damage that much
further. You finish with two sets of 12 to 15 reps.
This higher rep range will take your muscles to the
limits of fatigue, not to mention the fact that you
keep the rest between sets in these three final
sets to one minute to really fatigue the muscles.
Fatigue is also critical for muscle growth due to the
biochemical waste products in the muscle cells from
the burning of glucose and fat for the energy needed
for the muscles to contract. This signals an increase
in anabolic hormones and growth factors like growth
hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGFI). The anabolic factors, along with testosterone,
influence muscle growth by enhancing the growth of
the new muscle fibers that will replace the damaged
ones and by enhancing muscle protein synthesis.
Muscle protein synthesis works to build up all of the
muscle fibers by providing them with more protein.
Since muscle fibers are made of protein, more protein means bigger muscle fibers.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
TABLE 6.37 Bookend Workouts
Muscle group
Chest
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, BICEPS, ABS
Exercise
Bench press
Incline dumbbell bench press
Incline dumbbell fly
Cable crossover
Bench press
Biceps
Barbell curl
Incline dumbbell curl
Cable concentration curl
Barbell curl
Abs
Hanging leg raise2
Crunch
Hanging leg raise
Sets/reps
3/6-8
3/8-10
3/10-12
2/12-15
1/to failure1
2/12-15
3/6-8
3/8-10
3/10-12
1/to failure1
2/12-15
2/6-8
3/to failure
1/to failure
2/to failure1,3
Rest
2-3 min
2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
2-3 min
2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
5
5
5
5
WORKOUT 2: LEGS AND CALVES
Muscle group
Legs
Exercise
Squat
Leg press
Dumbbell reverse lunge
Leg extension
Lying leg curl
Squat
Calves
Standing calf raise
Seated calf raise
Standing calf raise
Sets/reps
3/6-8
3/8-10
3/10-12
3/12-15
3/12-15
1/to failure1
2/12-15
3/6-8
3/15-20
1/to failure1
2/12-15
Rest
2-3 min
2 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
Sets/reps
3/6-8
2/8-10
3/10-12
3/12-15
1/to failure1
2/12-15
3/6-8
2/10-12
1/to failure1
2/12-15
2/6-8
3/to failure
1/to failure1
2/12-15
Rest
2-3 min
2 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
2-3 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
Sets/reps
3/6-8
3/to failure
3/10-12
3/12-15
1/to failure1
2/12-15
3/6-8
3/8-10
3/10-12
1/to failure1
2/12-15
Rest
2-3 min
2 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
2-3 min
2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Muscle group
Shoulders
Exercise
Barbell shoulder press
Dumbbell upright row
Cable lateral raise
Rear delt raise
Barbell shoulder press
Traps
Barbell shrug
Barbell behind-the-back shrug
Barbell shrug
Abs
Rope cable crunch
Reverse crunch
Rope cable crunch
Muscle group
Back
Triceps
WORKOUT 4: BACK AND TRICEPS
Exercise
Barbell row
Pull-up
Seated cable row
One-arm straight-arm pulldown
Barbell row
Close-grip bench press
Triceps pressdown
Cable overhead extension
Close-grip bench press
Use same weight as you used on the last set of this exercise.
Hold a dumbbell or medicine ball between your feet.
3
Use body weight only.
1
2
119
120
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Push–Pull–Angle Training
The push–pull training split (covered in chapter 8)
is one of the simplest and most effective splits
ever devised. Having been used by competitive
bodybuilders and other high-performance athletes,
the concept involves categorizing all weight-training exercises down to one of two types—pushing
movements and pulling movements—and splitting up workouts accordingly. A typical push day
includes exercises for the chest, shoulders, quads,
and triceps because these are considered the
pushing muscles. And a typical pull day trains the
back, biceps, hamstrings, and traps. But weight
training is not quite that simple.
For most muscle groups, you can do at least
a few exercises that don’t fall under the strict
definition of either a push exercise or a pull exercise. For example, leg extension, leg curl, biceps
curl, triceps extension, lateral raise, and fly are
all exercises that are technically neither pushing
nor pulling movements. They are actually what we
would consider angular movements. That is, the
movement doesn’t follow a straight line but rather
the path of an arc. These are always isolation exercises because they involve only a single joint. Pushing or pulling a weight in a straight line involves
multiple joints working together. Thus, push and
pull exercises are always multijoint exercises.
The push–pull training split works well for powerlifters and strength athletes who rarely do angular
(isolation) exercises. But because bodybuilding
relies heavily on such movements, I created the
push–pull training split into the push–pull–angle
split. In it, you’ll have one push day in which you
hit chest, legs, shoulders, triceps, and calves with
multijoint exercises; one pull day in which you
hit back, traps, and biceps, again with multijoint
moves, as well as abs; and two angle days, which
collectively hit all major muscle groups with isolation exercises only.
One angle day trains the chest, legs, shoulders,
and triceps, while the other trains back, biceps,
forearms, and abs. You’ll end up training each
muscle group twice per week, once with compound
moves (push or pull) and again with isolation
moves (angle). This way, you can focus on one
heavy basic training day for each muscle group
where you use lower reps, and one lighter isolation
day where you use higher reps, for a multifaceted
approach to overall growth, muscle mass, and
strength. Not only is each muscle being trained
more frequently, but each is getting different types
of stress (heavy and light) each week. Separating
the types of exercises into two workouts for each
body part will be a welcome change for your muscles, resulting in greater hypertrophy and strength
gains.
Follow the four-day push–pull–angle training split
as suggested in table 6.38 for four weeks. Feel
free to use it longer, but after four weeks on this
sample program be sure to make some changes,
such as swapping out the exercises listed in table
6.39 in the Push–Pull–Angle Exercises box for
others listed as follows. Also, feel free to alter
rep ranges and rest periods, depending on your
training goals. The routine listed in table 6.38 is
a combination of strength and hypertrophy, using
low- (4-7), moderate- (8-12), and high-rep schemes
(15-20).
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.38 Push–Pull–Angle Training
PUSH DAY (MONDAY)
Muscle group
Chest
Legs
Shoulders
Triceps
Calves
Muscle group
Back
Back and biceps
Traps
Abs
Muscle group
Chest
Quads
Hamstrings
Shoulders
Triceps
Muscle group
Back
Biceps
Forearms
Abs
Exercise
Barbell bench press
Dumbbell incline press
Decline Smith machine press
Barbell squat
Smith machine front squat
Leg press
Barbell overhead press
Dumbbell overhead press
Close-grip bench press
Dip
Standing calf raise
PULL DAY (TUESDAY)
Exercise
Deadlift
Barbell bent-over row
Lat pulldown
Reverse-grip pull-up
Drag curl
Barbell shrug
Dumbbell shrug
Hanging leg raise
Rope crunch
ANGLE DAY 1 (THURSDAY)
Exercise
Dumbbell incline fly
Cable crossover
Pec deck
Leg extension
Lying leg curl
Cable lateral raise
Barbell front raise
Dumbbell bent-over lateral raise
Cable pressdown
Dumbbell overhead triceps extension
ANGLE DAY 2 (FRIDAY)
Exercise
Decline dumbbell pullover
Straight-arm pulldown
Barbell curl Incline dumbbell curl
Barbell wrist curl
Reverse crunch
Crunch
Sets
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
3
3
3
Reps
4–6
6–8
8–10
4–6
6–8
8–10
4–6
6–8
6–8
8–10
8–10
Rest
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
1 min
Sets
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
Reps
4–6
6–8
8–10
6–8
8–10
6–8
8–10
10–12
10–12
Rest
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
1 min
1 min
Sets
3
3
3
4
4
3
2
2
3
3
Reps
10–12
12–15
15–20
15–20
15–20
10–12
12–15
15–20
10–12
12–15
Rest
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
Sets
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
Reps
10–12
12–15
10–12
12–15
12–15
15–20
20–25
Rest
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
121
Push–Pull–Angle Exercises
Table 6.39 lists virtually every push, pull, and angle exercise for every major body part. Use this catalog to substitute in other exercises to the push–pull–angle sample four-day split.
TABLE 6.39 Push–Pull–Angle Exercises
Muscle group Push
Pull
Chest
Flat, incline, or decline barbell press N/A
Flat, incline, or decline dumbbell press
Flat, incline, or decline Smith
machine press
Any other machine chest press
Push-up
Back
N/A
Barbell, dumbbell, or straightarm Smith machine or cable
bent-over row
Seated cable row
Deadlift
Lat pulldown
Pull-up
T-bar row
High pulley row
Shoulders
Barbell, dumbbell, or Smith machine Barbell, dumbbell, Smith
overhead press
machine, or cable upright
row*
Triceps
Barbell, Smith machine, or dumbbell N/A
close-grip bench press
Dip (includes machine)
Biceps
N/A
Quads
Barbell or smith machine squat
N/A
Leg press
Hack squat
Barbell or Smith machine front squat
Squat machine
Barbell or dumbbell lunge
Barbell or Smith machine squat
N/A
Squat machine
Barbell or dumbbell lunge
Hamstrings
122
Reverse-grip pull-up
Drag curl
Angle
Flat, incline, or decline dumbbell fly
Flat, incline, or decline cable fly
Machine fly
Cable crossover (high or low pulley)
Pec deck
Pullover
Pulldown
Pullover
Dumbbell, cable, or machine
lateral raise
Dumbbell, cable, or barbell front
raise
Dumbbell or cable bent-over
lateral raise
Reverse pec deck
Cable pressdown
Barbell or dumbbell lying triceps
extension
Dumbbell, barbell, or cable
overhead extension
Dumbbell or cable kickback
Machine triceps extension
Barbell, dumbbell, or cable curl
EZ-bar or dumbbell preacher curl
Incline dumbbell curl
Concentration curl
Machine curl
Leg extension
Sissy squat
Lying, seated, or standing leg curl
Romanian deadlift
123
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Muscle group Push
Calves
Standing or seated, donkey or leg
press calf raise
Abs
N/A
Pull
N/A
Angle
N/A
N/A
Traps
N/A
Crunch
Reverse crunch
Oblique crunch
Hanging leg or knee raise
Rope crunch
Barbell, dumbbell, or Smith
machine shrug
Barbell, Smith machine, or cable
dumbbell upright row
N/A
* Wide-grip barbell, Smith machine, cable, or dumbbell upright row is the one shoulder exercise that is actually a true pulling movement. Though
it would technically be inconsistent with the push–pull angle split, feel free to perform upright rows on angle day 1.
Big Band Program
As discussed in chapter 4, resistance bands or
strength bands offer a unique type of resistance
that is called linear variable resistance, which
refers to a increasing resistance progressively with
the range of motion. Using the bench press as an
example, that means as you press the bar off your
chest the resistance gets progressively heavier the
farther you press the bar to full arm extension. That
increase in resistance necessitates the application
of more force toward the top of the lift, which limits
the slowing at the top of an exercise that normally
occurs to stop the weight.
Bands are also great to travel with because they
weigh little yet provide ample resistance. The Big
Band program in table 6.40 is a good workout to
do even if you have a full weight setup because it
will hit the muscles with this unique resistance.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.40 Big Band Program
WEEK 1
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Chest
Bench press with bands 3/15-20 2 min
Standing incline chest 3/15-20 2 min
press
Standing one-arm low- 3/15-20 2 min
band fly
Standing one-arm fly
3/15-20 2 min
with band
Triceps
Close-grip bench press 3/15-20 2 min
with bands
Overhead triceps
3/15-20 2 min
extension with band
Underhand-grip
3/15-20 2 min
kickback with band
Abs
Standing crunch with
2/15-20 1 min
band
Rising knee with band
2/15-20 1 min
Roundhouse elbow with 2/15-20 1 min
band
> continued
TABLE 6.40 Big Band Program (continued)
WEEK 1 (continued)
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): BACK AND BICEPS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Back
Barbell row with bands 3/15-20 2 min
Pulldown with bands
3/15-20 2 min
Standing one-arm row
3/15-20 2 min
with band
Straight-arm pulldown
3/15-20 2 min
with bands
Biceps
Barbell curl with bands 3/15-20 2 min
Behind-the-back curl
3/15-20 2 min
with bands
High curl with bands
3/15-20 2 min
WORKOUT 3 (THURSDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Shoulders Barbell shoulder press 3/15-20 2 min
with bands
Lateral raise with bands 3/15-20 2 min
Shoulder press with
3/15-20 2 min
bands
Rear delt reverse fly
3/15-20 2 min
with bands
Traps
Barbell shrug with bands 3/15-20 2 min
Barbell behind-the-back 3/15-20 2 min
shrug with bands
Abs
Rising knee with band
2/15-20 1 min
Roundhouse elbow with 2/15-20 1 min
band
Standing twisting
2/15-20 1 min
crunch with band
WORKOUT 4 (FRIDAY): LEGS [QUADS AND HAMS], CALVES
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Quads
Barbell squat with bands 3/15-20 2 min
Step-up with bands
3/15-20 2 min
Standing leg extension 3/15-20 1 min
with bands
Hamstrings Barbell Romanian
3/15-20 2 min
deadlift with bands
Standing leg curl with
3/15-20 1 min
band
Calves
Barbell standing calf
3/15-20 1 min
raise with bands
Barbell seated calf
3/15-20 1 min
raise with bands
124
WEEK 2
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Chest
Bench press with bands 3/12-15 2 min
Standing incline chest 3/12-15 2 min
press
Standing one-arm low- 3/12-15 2 min
band fly
Standing one-arm fly
3/12-15 2 min
with band
Triceps
Close-grip bench press 3/12-15 2 min
with bands
Overhead triceps
3/12-15 2 min
extension with bands
Underhand-grip
3/12-15 2 min
kickback with bands
Abs
Standing crunch with
2/12-15 1 min
band
Rising knee with band
2/12-15 1 min
Roundhouse elbow with 2/12-15 1 min
band
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): BACK AND BICEPS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Back
Barbell row with bands 3/12-15 2 min
Pulldown with bands
3/12-15 2 min
Standing one-arm row
3/12-15 2 min
with band
Straight-arm pulldown
3/15-20 2 min
with bands
Biceps
Barbell curl with bands 3/12-15 2 min
Behind-the-back curl
3/12-15 2 min
with bands
High curl with bands
3/12-15 2 min
WORKOUT 3 (THURSDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Shoulders Barbell shoulder press 3/12-15 2 min
with bands
Lateral raise with bands 3/12-15 2 min
Shoulder press with
3/12-15 2 min
bands
Rear delt reverse fly
3/12-15 2 min
with bands
Traps
Barbell shrug with bands 3/12-15 2 min
Barbell behind-the-back 3/12-15 2 min
shrug with bands
WORKOUT 3 (THURSDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Abs
Rising knee with band
2/12-15 1 min
Roundhouse elbow with 2/12-15 1 min
band
Standing twisting
2/12-15 1 min
crunch with band
WORKOUT 4 (FRIDAY): LEGS [QUADS AND HAMS], CALVES
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
Reps
Rest
Quads
Barbell squat with bands 3/12-15 2 min
Step-up with band
3/12-15 2 min
Standing leg extension 3/12-15 1 min
with bands
Hamstrings Barbell Romanian
3/12-15 2 min
deadlift with bands
Standing leg curl with
3/12-15 1 min
band
Calves
Barbell standing calf
3/12-15 1 min
raise with bands
Barbell seated calf
3/12-15 1 min
raise with bands
WEEK 3
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Chest
Bench press with bands 3/8-12 2-3 min
Standing incline chest
3/8-12 2-3 min
press
Standing one-arm low3/8-12 2-3 min
band fly
Standing one-arm fly
3/8-12 2-3 min
with band
Triceps
Close-grip bench press 3/8-12 2-3 min
with bands
Overhead triceps
3/8-12 2-3 min
extension with bands
Underhand-grip
3/8-12 2-3 min
kickback with bands
Abs
Standing crunch with
3/10-12 1 min
bands
Rising knee with band
3/10-12 1 min
Roundhouse elbow with 3/10-12 1 min
band
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): BACK AND BICEPS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Back
Barbell row with bands
3/8-12 2-3 min
Pulldown with bands
3/8-12 2-3 min
Standing one-arm row
3/8-12 2-3 min
with band
Straight-arm pulldown
3/8-12 2-3 min
with bands
Biceps
Barbell curl with bands 3/8-12 2-3 min
Behind-the-back curl
3/8-12 2-3 min
with bands
High curl with bands
3/8-12 2-3 min
WORKOUT 3 (THURSDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Shoulders Barbell shoulder press
3/8-12 2-3 min
with bands
Lateral raise with bands 3/8-12 2-3 min
Shoulder press with
3/8-12 2-3 min
bands
Rear delt reverse fly
3/8-12 2-3 min
with bands
Traps
Barbell shrug with bands 3/8-12 2-3 min
Barbell behind-the-back 3/8-12 2-3 min
shrug with bands
Abs
Rising knee with band
3/10-12 1 min
Roundhouse elbow with 3/10-12 1 min
band
Standing twisting
3/10-12 1 min
crunch with band
WORKOUT 4 (FRIDAY): LEGS [QUADS AND HAMS], CALVES
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Quads
Barbell squat with bands 3/8-12 2-3 min
Step-up with band
3/8-12 2-3 min
Standing leg extension 3/8-12 2 min
with band
Hamstrings Barbell Romanian
3/8-12 2-3 min
deadlift with bands
Standing leg curl with
3/8-12 2 min
band
Calves
Barbell standing calf
3/10-12 1 min
raise with bands
Barbell seated calf
3/10-12 1 min
raise with bands
> continued
125
TABLE 6.40 Big Band Program (continued)
WEEK 4
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Chest
Bench press with bands 3/5-8
3 min
Standing incline chest
3/5-8
3 min
press
Standing one-arm low3/5-8
3 min
band fly
Standing one-arm fly
3/5-8
3 min
with band
Triceps
Close-grip bench press
3/5-8
3 min
with bands
Overhead triceps
3/5-8
3 min
extension with bands
Underhand-grip
3/5-8
3 min
kickback with bands
Abs
Standing crunch with
3/8-10 1 min
bands
Rising knee with band
3/8-10 1 min
Roundhouse elbow with 3/8-10 1 min
band
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): BACK AND BICEPS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Back
Barbell row with bands
3/5-8
3 min
Pulldown with bands
3/5-8
3 min
Standing one-arm row
3/5-8
3 min
with band
Straight-arm pulldown
3/5-8
3 min
with bands
Biceps
Barbell curl with bands
3/5-8
3 min
Behind-the-back curl
3/5-8
3 min
with bands
High curl with bands
3/5-8
3 min
126
WORKOUT 3 (THURSDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Shoulders Barbell shoulder press
3/5-8
3 min
with bands
Lateral raise with bands 3/5-8
3 min
Shoulder press with
3/5-8
3 min
bands
Rear delt reverse fly
3/5-8
3 min
with bands
Traps
Barbell shrug with
3/5-8
3 min
bands
Barbell behind-the-back 3/5-8
3 min
shrug with bands
Abs
Rising knee with band
3/8-10 1 min
Roundhouse elbow with 3/8-10 1 min
band
Standing twisting
3/8-10 1 min
crunch with band
WORKOUT 4 (FRIDAY): LEGS [QUADS AND HAMS], CALVES
Muscle
Sets/
group
Exercise
reps
Rest
Quads
Barbell squat with
3/5-8
3 min
bands
Step-up with band
3/5-8
3 min
Standing leg extension
3/5-8
3 min
with band
Hamstrings Barbell Romanian
3/5-8
3 min
deadlift with bands
Standing leg curl with
3/5-8
3 min
band
Calves
Barbell standing calf 3/8-10 1 min
raise with bands
Barbell seated calf
3/8-10 1 min
raise with bands
127
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Machine Muscle
Sure, they don’t enhance the strength of your stabilizers, but resistance machines do have several
benefits:
1. Ease and convenience makes them great
to use when you’re short on time.
2. Constant tension: With machines you never
lose the stress (or tension) that the weight
places on the muscle. (For example, compare the dumbbell fly to the fly machine.
You don’t lose the stress on the muscle
when your hands come together as happens on the dumbbell fly.)
3. Failure: You can safely train to all-out muscle
failure with or without a spotter and even
forced reps on your own on some machines.
pounding you normally do with free weights and
stimulate some new muscle growth by focusing
constant tension on your muscle fibers. Or when
you are crunched for time on chest day or arm day,
choose the workout for the muscle group you need
to train in a hurry.
These workouts take advantage of the machine’s
ease of changing weight by using drop sets and
allow for safety when training past failure, such as
with forced reps. Try these workouts and you’ll never
think about machines as beginner equipment again.
Keep rest periods between sets to a minimum
(1-2 minutes).
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
The all-machine workout in table 6.41 isn’t
designed for you to follow for any length of time.
Try it for one or two weeks as a change of pace.
You’ll give your joints some rest from the heavy
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.41 All-Machine Workout
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS, ABS
Muscle
group
Exercise
Sets/reps
3/8-102
Chest
Seated chest press
1
machine
Incline press machine1
3/8-103
4
Pec deck
3/12-153
Shoulders Shoulder press machine1
3/8-102
Smith machine upright row 3/10-123
Seated lateral raise
3/12-153
4
machine
Triceps
Seated dip machine5
3/8-102
Seated overhead extension 3/12-153
machine4
Abs
Crunch machine
3/12-153
WORKOUT 2: QUADS, HAMS, CALVES
Muscle
group
Exercise
Sets/reps
1
3/8-103
Quads
Squat machine
Leg press
3/8-103
Leg extension
3/12-152
Hamstrings Lying leg curl
3/12-152
Seated leg curl
3/12-152
Calves
Donkey calf raise
3/15-203
Leg press calf raise
3/10-123
WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS, ABS
Muscle
group
Exercise
Sets/reps
Back
Smith machine bent-over
3/8-103
row
Assisted pull-up5
3/10-122
Seated row machine4
3/10-123
Traps
Smith machine shrug
3/8-103
Biceps
Preacher curl machine5
3/8-102
Horizontal curl machine4
3/10-123
5
Abs
Lower ab machine
3/12-153
If your gym is not equipped with this machine, do the Smith
machine version.
1
On last set, do 2 or 3 forced reps after reaching failure.
2
On last set after reaching failure, do one drop set by reducing
weight by about 30% and continuing to failure.
3
If your gym is not equipped with this machine, do the cable version.
4
If your gym is not equipped with this machine, do the free weight
version.
5
128
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATE
TRAINING FREQUENCY
The standard training method for making sound
gains in muscle size is to allow a minimum of 48
hours between training sessions for a particular
muscle group. This time period allows the processes of muscle recovery to kick in so that the
muscle damage inflicted in the previous workout
can be repaired and the depleted fuel stores
can be replenished. However, on occasion, going
against conventional thinking on recovery can be
an advantage for making muscle gains. This can
be done by training similar muscle groups on consecutive days or even training them twice in one
day. Increasing the frequency of training for short
periods can lead to more frequent muscle growth.
Back-to-Back Training
Back-to-back training refers to training a muscle
group on two consecutive days. It is also referred
to in some bodybuilding circles as feeder workouts, because the concept is to train the muscle
group again the very next day but with very
light weight, higher reps, fewer sets, and very
low intensity to help increase blood flow to the
muscle tissue. The theory is that this will supply
the recovering muscle cells with more nutrients
such as amino acids and glucose (both critical for
muscle growth and strength), anabolic hormones
such as GH and testosterone, and more oxygen
for faster recovery. It will also help remove the
waste products and cellular debris that were created from the previous workout. It also leads to
greater water flow from the blood supply into the
muscle—this is the cause of the pump—which
is believed to turn on muscle-building pathways
because of the stretch that is placed on the
muscle cell by the volume overload. While no
studies have looked at this effect on muscle
growth directly, one study found that the cortisol
response on the second workout day is significantly lower and the testosterone levels are
slightly higher (Pullinen et al. 2002). Hormonal
responses to a resistance exercise performed
under the influence of delayed-onset muscle
soreness. This means that a greater anabolic
environment is created within the muscles, which
can enhance the potential for muscle growth and
strength gains.
The first back-to-back workout for each muscle
group should be very intense. Muscle failure
should be reached on all sets and followed with
forced reps or drop sets. Volume should also be
high (12 to 16 sets per muscle group) to ensure
the muscle is thoroughly fatigued. The second
workout should be lower in both intensity and
volume. Perform only about six to eight sets per
muscle group and perform 15 to 20 reps, never
reaching muscle failure. See table 6.42 for a
sample back-to-back workout program.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.42 Back-to-Back Back Attack
Workouts 1 and 2 are performed on two consecutive
days.
Exercise
Sets
Reps
WORKOUT 1
Pull-up
Barbell row
Seated cable row
Pulldown (underhand grip)
WORKOUT 2
Pulldown (wide grip)
Barbell row
Seated cable row
Pulldown (underhand grip)
3
4
4
4
6-10*
6-10**
6-10**
6-10**
2
2
1
1
15-20
15-20
15-20
15-20
*Perform two or three forced reps at the end of each set.
**Perform each set to failure. At the end of last set, strip the
weight down by about 30% and perform as many reps as possible.
Then strip another 30% or so off and perform reps until muscle
failure is reached.
129
Programs for Building Muscle Mass
Twice-a-Day Training
Similar to back-to-back training, twice-a-day training
works the same muscle group back to back, just on
the same day. The program is based on research
that shows that when muscles are trained twice
in the same day, the amount of muscle glycogen
increases by nearly double the normal value. Since
glycogen pulls water into muscle cells, the muscle
cells become fuller (more pumped). This causes
a stretch on the muscle cells that is believed to
trigger muscle growth.
Twice-a-day training also encourages capillary
growth in muscle tissue and increases the density
of fuel-metabolizing mitochondria in the muscle
cells, both of which help the muscle to assimilate
nutrients. It also works to boost resting metabolism
after the twice-a-day workouts, which can help to
encourage fat loss during cutting phases of training.
With twice-a-day training the same exercises
should be done for both workouts. This is because
different exercises stress different muscle fibers,
and it is essential to stress the same muscle
fibers in the second workout as were stressed in
the first. However, the order of these exercises is
not critical. So some bodybuilders begin the first
workout with compound movement and then finish
with isolation exercises. In the second workout
they reverse that order. This helps to prevent
boredom. Repetitions for both workouts should
be high (in the range of 12 to 20) to prevent overstressing the targeted muscle group and better
deplete muscle glycogen. Rest should be no more
than 60 seconds between sets to best deplete
glycogen stores, increase caloric expenditure, and
facilitate fat loss.
Workouts should be separated by at least three
but no more than eight hours of rest. If there is not
enough time between sessions, the testosterone
response that occurs from training may be blunted,
and cortisol levels may increase too much. Muscles
should receive about three to seven days of recovery before you train them again. Use the twice-aday program for no more than six weeks, because
using it any longer may actually hinder progress.
See table 6.43 for sample twice-a-day workouts.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 6.43 Twice the Workout
Exercise
Sets
CHEST WORKOUT 1
Incline barbell press
3
Dumbbell bench press
3
Incline dumbbell fly
3
CHEST WORKOUT 2
Incline dumbbell fly
3
Dumbbell bench press
3
Incline barbell press
3
SHOULDER WORKOUT 1
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
Wide-grip upright row
3
Dumbbell lateral raise
3
SHOULDER WORKOUT 2
Dumbbell lateral raise
3
Wide-grip upright row
3
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
Reps
Exercise
Sets
Reps
3
3
3
12-15
12-15
15
3
3
3
15
12-15
12-15
3
3
3
3
3
3
15-20
15-20
15-20
15-20
20
20
BACK WORKOUT 1
12-15
12-15
15
15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
15
15
12-15
12-15
Barbell row
Wide-grip pulldown
Straight-arm pulldown
BACK WORKOUT 2
Straight-arm pulldown
Wide-grip pulldown
Barbell row
LEG WORKOUT 1
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Lying leg curl
Standing calf raise
Seated calf raise
> continued
TABLE 6.43 Twice the Workout (continued)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
LEG WORKOUT 2
Lying leg curl
Leg extension
Leg press
Squat
Seated calf raise
Standing calf raise
BICEPS WORKOUT 1
Barbell curl
Seated incline curl
Concentration curl
130
3
3
3
3
3
3
15-20
15-20
15-20
15-20
20
20
2
2
2
12-15
12-15
15
Exercise
Sets
BICEPS WORKOUT 2
Concentration curl
2
Seated incline curl
2
Barbell curl
2
TRICEPS WORKOUT 1
Close-grip bench press
2
Skull crusher
2
Triceps pressdown
2
TRICEPS WORKOUT 2
Triceps pressdown
2
Skull crusher
2
Close-grip bench press
2
Reps
15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
15
15
12-15
12-15
CHAPTER 7
Training Cycles for Building
Muscle Mass
Once you are familiar with the fundamentals of
strength training, including the basic guidelines on
designing a training program for building muscle
mass as well as having an arsenal of advanced
mass-training techniques, it’s time to consider
the long-term application of your training program.
Being able to put this acquired knowledge together
in a long-term program is the only way of reaching
your desired goals. Whether you’re a beginner,
intermediate, or advanced weightlifter and just
want to add general muscle mass to your frame, or
you want to shed body fat while adding muscle, or
you have specific muscle groups you want to focus
on building up, this chapter has a program for you.
Developing a basic cycle that carries your training
over the next 6 months or year is much like an insurance policy that protects your progress. This template
will serve as a basic guide to steer you through your
journey to gain more muscle. If you are a beginner,
you should follow this program as prescribed for
your first 6 months of serious training. The intermediate (6 to 12 months of training experience) and
advanced (over a year of consistent training experience) weightlifters are provided a yearlong training
guide. However, at this level you can take a few side
roads here or there as long as you mind the overall
scheme of the program. In the end, remember that
everything works, but nothing works forever.
MASS-BUILDING PROGRAMS
Beginner Program (First Six Months)
Although it is well established that certain exercise
choices, orders of exercises, volumes, resistances,
and amounts of rest between sets are better than
others for developing muscle mass, sticking within
those guidelines for too long can actually hinder
your progress. This is the foundation of periodization (covered in chapter 3). For instance, although
the repetition maximum continuum indicates that
using a range of 6 to 12 reps per set is best for
muscle hypertrophy, sticking within those confines
will lead to stagnation in muscle growth. Therefore, while some of your training should be done
with this rep range, you also need to work in both
lower- and higher-rep ranges. The question, then,
is how and when to do this. This rationale also
applies to the other acute variables of training. To
ensure that gains in muscle mass are optimized
and persistent, smart bodybuilders realize that the
frequent cycling of their workouts is as essential
to their progress as the acute variables.
This six-month program breaks down into six fourweek segments (see table 7.1). In the first three
segments, you follow a whole-body training split
and train with weights three days per week, working
your entire body each time. The first four weeks
you will train one exercise per muscle group. The
exercises are the same for each workout and the
reps are 15 per set with two- to three-minute rest
periods between sets. This helps to train the nervous system during this introductory phase. The
second four-week cycle adds a second exercise to
each muscle group to increase both volume and
variety in the way the muscles are trained. Exercises performed are the same for each workout and
reps are 12 to 15 per set with two- to three-minute
rest periods. The third four-week cycle changes
the exercises at each different workout for the
week. This provides three different exercises per
muscle group at the end of the week in an effort to
target all the muscle fibers in each muscle group.
131
TABLE 7.1 Beginner Basic Program
WEEKS 1-4 (MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Leg press
3
15
Bench press
3
15
Seated cable row
3
15
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
15
Barbell curl
3
15
Triceps pressdown
3
15
Standing calf raise
3
15
Crunch
3
15
WEEKS 5-8 (MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Leg press
2 12-15
Lunge
2
15
Bench press
2 12-15
Dumbbell incline fly
2
15
Seated cable row
2 12-15
Lat pulldown
2
15
Dumbbell shoulder press
2 12-15
Dumbbell lateral raise
2
15
Barbell curl
2 12-15
Seated incline curl
2
15
Lying triceps extension
2 12-15
Triceps pressdown
2
15
Standing calf raise
2
15
Seated calf raise
2
15
Hanging knee raise
2
15
Crunch
2
15
WEEKS 9-12 (MONDAY)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Leg press
4 10-12
Bench press
4 10-12
Seated cable row
4 10-12
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 10-12
Barbell curl
4 10-12
Triceps pressdown
4 10-12
Standing calf raise
4 10-12
Crunch
4
15
WEEKS 9-12 (WEDNESDAY)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Squat
4 10-12
Decline dumbbell press
4 10-12
Straight-arm pulldown
4 10-12
Rear delt raise
4 10-12
Preacher curl
4 10-12
132
WEEKS 9-12 (WEDNESDAY) (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Seated overhead triceps extension
4 10-12
Seated calf raise
4 10-12
Hanging leg raise
4
15
WEEKS 9-12 (FRIDAY)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Lunge
12
4
Dumbbell incline fly
12
4
Lat pulldown
12
4
Dumbbell lateral raise
12
4
Seated incline curl
12
4
Lying triceps extension
12
4
Leg-press calf raise
15
4
Oblique crunch
15
4
WEEKS 13-16 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY):
CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BACK, ABS
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Chest
Incline bench press
2
8-10
Dumbbell bench press
2
8-10
Cable crossover
2
8-10
Shoulders
Barbell shoulder press
2
8-10
Cable lateral raise
2
8-10
Dumbbell rear delt raise 2
8-10
Traps
Barbell shrug
3
8-10
Back
Pull-up
2
8-10
Dumbbell row
2
8-10
Underhand-grip pulldown 2
8-10
Abs
Hanging knee raise
3 10-15
Decline bench crunch
3
8-10
WEEKS 13-16 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY):
LEGS, CALVES, TRICEPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Legs
Squat
2
8-10
Leg press
2
8-10
Leg extension
2
8-10
Lying leg curl
2
8-10
Calves
Standing calf raise
3
8-10
Seated calf raise
2
8-10
Triceps
Close-grip bench press
2
8-10
Triceps pressdown
2
8-10
Biceps
Barbell curl
3
8-10
Preacher curl
2
8-10
Forearms
Wrist curl
2
8-10
Reverse wrist curl
2
8-10
WEEKS 17-20 (MONDAY):
CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BACK, ABS
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Chest
Bench press
3 10-12
Incline cable fly
3 10-12
Dumbbell shoulder press 3 10-12
Shoulders
Wide-grip upright row
3 10-12
Traps
Barbell shrug
4 10-12
Back
Pulldown
3 10-12
T-bar row
3 10-12
Abs
Hip thrust
3 10-15
Exercise-ball crunch
3 10-15
WEEKS 17-20 (TUESDAY):
LEGS, CALVES, TRICEPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Legs
Smith machine squat
3 10-12
Lunge
3 10-12
Leg extension
2 10-12
Lying leg curl
2 10-12
Calves
Standing calf raise
3 10-12
Seated calf raise
3 10-12
Triceps
Dip
3 10-12
Triceps pressdown
2 10-12
Biceps
EZ-bar curl
3 10-12
Concentration curl
3 10-12
Forearms
Dumbbell wrist curl
2 10-12
Standing reverse wrist
2 10-12
curl
WEEKS 17-20 (THURSDAY):
CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BACK, ABS
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Chest
Decline bench press
3 10-12
Incline dumbbell fly
3 10-12
Shoulders
Barbell shoulder press
3 10-12
Cable lateral raise
3 10-12
Traps
Dumbbell shrug
4 10-12
Back
Pull-up
3 10-12
Smith machine row
3 10-12
Abs
Hanging knee raise
3 10-12
Decline bench crunch
3 10-12
WEEKS 17-20 (FRIDAY):
LEGS, CALVES, TRICEPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Legs
Squat
3 10-12
Hack squat
3 10-12
One-leg leg extension
2 10-12
Romanian deadlift
2 10-12
WEEKS 17-20 (FRIDAY): LEGS, CALVES, TRICEPS,
BICEPS, FOREARM (continued)
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Calves
Donkey calf raise
3 10-12
Seated calf raise
3 10-12
Triceps
Triceps pressdown
3 10-12
Dumbbell lying triceps
2 10-12
extension
Biceps
Barbell curl
3 10-12
Scott curl
3 10-12
Forearms
Wrist curl
2
8-10
Reverse wrist curl
2
8-10
WEEKS 21-24 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY):
CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BACK, ABS
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Chest
Bench press
3
6-8
Decline dumbbell press 3
6-8
Incline dumbbell fly
2
6-8
Dumbbell shoulder press 3
6-8
Shoulders
Dumbbell lateral raise
2
6-8
Cable rear delt raise
2
6-8
Traps
Barbell shrug
3
6-8
Dumbbell shrug
3
6-8
Back
Pull-up
3
6-8
Barbell row
3
6-8
Straight-arm pulldown
3
6-8
Abs
Hanging knee raise
3 10-12
Decline bench crunch
3 10-12
WEEKS 21-24 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY):
LEGS, CALVES, TRICEPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Muscle group Exercise
Sets Reps
Legs
Leg press
3
6-8
Leg extension
3
6-8
Romanian deadlift
3
6-8
Calves
Standing calf raise
3
6-8
Seated calf raise
3 10-12
Triceps
Triceps pressdown
3
6-8
Lying triceps extension
3
6-8
Biceps
Barbell curl
3
6-8
Dumbbell preacher curl
3
6-8
Forearms
Wrist curl
2
8-10
Reverse wrist curl
2
8-10
133
134
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
For example, chest exercises include flat bench
press, incline dumbbell fly, and decline dumbbell
press to hit muscle fibers of the lower, middle, and
upper pecs. The exercises per muscle group drop
back to just one per workout but increase in number
of sets. Reps drop down to 10 to 12, while rest
periods remain the same at two to three minutes
between sets.
In the last three segments, you’ll train with a
two-day training split for a total of four workouts per
week. During the first four weeks exercises will be
the same for each muscle group on the two workouts that are done each week. Most major muscle
groups will be trained with three exercises for a
total of six sets per muscle group. The exceptions
are legs, which will be trained with four exercises,
and the smaller muscle groups like biceps and
triceps are trained with only two exercises per workout. During the second four-week cycle, exercises
drop back to about two per major muscle group,
but the sets increase to three per exercise. Rest
period during this entire phase drops down to one
to two minutes between sets. Each muscle group
is trained with different exercises on the different
workout days. During the last four-week cycle the
exercises increase to about three for most major
muscle groups, as do the sets for most (three per
exercise). After this phase is completed, you can
graduate to the intermediate program.
Intermediate Program
(Six Months to One Year)
If you are an intermediate lifter, you are at a
unique level of weightlifting experience. Because
of neurological training, you have surpassed the
rapid gains in strength that beginners experience,
yet you haven’t started to plateau in the gains
related to muscle fiber growth. You also have
a fair amount of knowledge of and enthusiasm
for strength training. This is the stage where the
particular training program is not as critical for
making continued gains as long as you maintain
a periodized plan.
If you are an intermediate lifter, you should
follow a basic training program that involves a
three-day or four-day split, as discussed in chapter
5. Making frequent changes in exercise selection
provides the muscles with resistance from a variety of angles to stress different individual muscle
fibers within the targeted muscle. However, the
most critical change comes in the form of the
resistance, or weight, used and the number of reps
performed per set.
The yearlong program found in table 7.2 outlines
the rep ranges you should follow throughout the
year to graduate to advanced weightlifter status.
Because research shows that periodized programs
that last a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum
of 20 weeks are the most beneficial (Rhea and
Alderman 2004), the intermediate program follows
a 20-week linear mass cycle, then an 8-week mass
microcycle, and finally a 20-week undulating-mass
cycle (which assumes you are using a four-day
split). Each phase of the program allows one week
of active recovery (where other physical activity outside of weightlifting is encouraged) before moving
to the next phase, along with one week of active
rest during the undulating phase, for a 52-week
program that will keep the muscle gains coming.
But feel free to skip these active rest weeks if you
prefer to march straight through.
TABLE 7.2 Advancing Intermediate Program
PHASE 1: LINEAR MASS
Week
1-4
5-8
9-12
13-16
17-20
21
PHASE 2: MICROMASS
Rep range
4-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
Active rest
Week
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Rep range
8-10
5-8
3-5
12-15
3-5
5-8
8-10
10-12
Active rest
Week
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
PHASE 3: UNDULATING MASS
Rep range
Workout 1
8-10
Workout 2
12-15
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
12-15
Workout 1
6-8
Workout 2
10-12
Workout 3
8-10
Workout 4
12-15
Workout 1
8-10
Workout 2
3-5
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
12-15
Workout 1
10-12
Workout 2
8-10
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
12-15
Workout 1
3-5
Workout 2
10-12
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
8-10
Workout 1
12-15
Workout 2
10-12
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
3-5
Workout 1
8-10
Workout 2
12-15
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
10-12
Workout 1
12-15
Workout 2
8-10
Workout 3
3-5
Workout 4
12-15
Workout 1
6-8
Workout 2
10-12
Workout 3
12-15
Workout 4
8-10
Workout 1
10-12
Workout 2
12-15
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
3-5
Active rest
PHASE 3: UNDULATING MASS (continued)
Week
Rep range
42
Workout 1
8-10
Workout 2
12-15
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
12-15
43
Workout 1
10-12
Workout 2
8-10
Workout 3
12-15
Workout 4
10-12
44
Workout 1
3-5
Workout 2
10-12
Workout 3
12-15
Workout 4
6-8
45
Workout 1
8-10
Workout 2
10-12
Workout 3
12-15
Workout 4
3-5
46
Workout 1
6-8
Workout 2
12-15
Workout 3
10-12
Workout 4
8-10
47
Workout 1
12-15
Workout 2
6-8
Workout 3
8-10
Workout 4
10-12
48
Workout 1
3-5
Workout 2
10-12
Workout 3
12-15
Workout 4
6-8
49
Workout 1
8-10
Workout 2
12-15
Workout 3
6-8
Workout 4
10-12
50
Workout 1
12-15
Workout 2
8-10
Workout 3
12-15
Workout 4
6-8
51
Workout 1
3-5
Workout 2
10-12
Workout 3
8-10
Workout 4
12-15
52
Active rest
135
136
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
If you are an intermediate and are interested
in making gains in general mass, you should
follow the basic design guidelines in chapter 5 for
making exercise selections. Rest periods should
be about two to three minutes between exercises,
but you should manipulate these on occasion. For
example, when reps are in a low phase (4 to 6),
allow up to four minutes of rest between sets.
When reps are in a high phase (more than 12),
limit rest to one minute between sets. For all other
rep ranges, keep the rest period between sets to
two to three minutes. Cycling the rest periods will
further enhance gains in muscle mass.
If you are concerned with gaining muscle while
losing body fat, you should limit rest periods to one
minute or less. Research suggests that keeping
the rest periods below one minute can enhance
the number of calories burned during and after a
strength training workout, regardless of the rep
range used (Falvo et al. 2005). It is also wise to
use as many compound exercises as possible.
These use more muscle groups than isolation exercises and therefore help to burn more calories. Of
course, performing aerobic exercise in addition to
strength training is critical to losing body fat along
with limiting caloric intake through proper dieting.
For more on maximizing fat burning while building
muscle and gaining strength, see part IV.
As an intermediate, if you want to use more
advanced training techniques during this program,
you can find numerous methods in chapter 6 that
you can throw in where the rep ranges are appropriate. Several techniques found in the programs that
manipulate sets and exercise selection, and even
a few in the rep manipulation methods section, are
not dependent on rep ranges and can be dropped
in where desired. For example, try slow-rep training
during weeks 5 to 8, negative training during week
23, and barbell blasting during week 26; throw in
superset and forced-rep training where desired
during weeks 31 to 51.
Advanced Program
(More Than One Year)
If you are an advanced weightlifter, you are at
the most difficult level of weightlifting in which to
encourage muscle growth. This is because you
have spent a long time training and therefore are
closer to reaching your genetic ceiling for muscle
growth. Because of this, you must frequently train
with advanced training techniques that are high
in intensity to help stimulate muscle growth. The
one-year advanced program in table 7.3 cycles
advanced training techniques found in chapter 6
with basic training splits to offer periods of lower
intensity in which the muscles can recover before
the next advanced technique starts. Feel free to
replace any technique with one that better suits
your needs at the time. The same can be said
about the training splits. Neither the specific
techniques nor the specific splits are critical to
this yearlong program. What is important is that
you cycle four to six weeks of advanced technique
training with about four to six weeks of a basic
training program that is lower in intensity.
TABLE 7.3 Advanced Growth Program
Week
1-4
5-8
9-12
13-16
17
Technique
Basic four- or five-day split
5–10–20
Advanced whole-body split
Superset training
Active rest
Notes
Reps: 10-12; rest: 2-3 min
Follow 5-day split schedule.
Reps: 12-15; rest: 1-2 min
Follow 2- or 3-day split; do it twice per week.
Three-day split:
Workouts 1 and 4: Chest/back, shoulders/back
Workouts 2 and 5: Biceps/triceps
Workouts 3 and 6: Legs (quads and hamstrings)
Two-day split:
Workouts 1 and 3: Chest/back, shoulders/back
Workouts 2 and 4: Biceps/triceps, legs (quads and hamstrings)
Reps: 8-10
Training Cycles for Building Muscle Mass
Week
18-21
22-25
Technique
Basic four- or five-day split
Drop-set training
26-29
Basic two-day split
30-31
32
Power circuit training
Tri-set training
33
34
35-38
39-42
43-46
47
48-49
50-51
52
Giant-set training
137
Notes
Reps: 6-8; rest: 2-3 min
Follow a five-day split.
Reps: 10-12 for start of each drop set; rest: 2-3 min
Choose different exercise for workouts 1 and 2 as well as workouts 3 and 4.
Reps: 8-10; rest: 2-3 min
Perform twice per week.
Follow a four-day split.
Two tri-set groups for chest, shoulders, back, legs.
One tri-set group for biceps, triceps, traps, forearms, calves, abs.
Reps: 8-10; 3 sets per tri-set; rest: 2-3 min between tri-sets
Follow a five-day split.
Do 1 giant set for all muscle groups.
Do 4 sets for chest, shoulders, back, legs.
Do 3 sets for biceps, triceps, traps, forearms, calves, abs.
Reps: 10-12; rest: 2-3 min between tri-sets
Active rest
Slow-repetition training
Follow a three-day split; train once per week.
Reps: 5-10; rest: 2-3 min
Basic two- or three-day split Train twice per week.
Reps: 12-15; rest: 1-2 min
Heavy and light multipleFollow a four-day split.
exercise method
Rest: 2-3 min
Hundreds training
Follow a two-day split; train twice per week.
Basic five-day split
Reps: 3-6
One-sided training
Follow workout split provided on page 110.
Active rest
GOAL TENDING
The long-term programs you just read about are a
great start for anyone at any level of experience, as
long as the goal is to put on overall muscle size.
However, as weightlifters progress, their goals tend
to be more specific. Maybe they want to maximize
both mass and strength, maybe they want to get
lean and large, or maybe they want to develop a
specific muscle group. If you are an intermediate or
advanced weightlifter and are interested in specific
goals, you should follow a long-term program that
manipulates the appropriate training variables to
enable you to reach those goals. This portion of
the chapter has detailed program cycles to match
common goals shared by most bodybuilders. More
than likely, any goal regarding strength training
for muscle mass will be listed here. Try one of
the following programs that meets your goals, or
design your own personalized program based on
the knowledge you have acquired through reading
this book.
Lean and Large
Chances are that if you are interested in bodybuilding or strength training for muscle mass, you are
also interested in building just lean muscle mass
and not adding body fat. Body fat blurs the shape
and striations of well-developed muscles.
Although a proper diet and plenty of aerobic
exercise are tools to help you shed body fat while
gaining muscle, certain strength training programs
are better than others for getting lean. This Lean
and Large program is composed of three four-week
phases that all emphasize compound movements
(see table 7.4). Compound exercises use the most
muscle fibers and therefore burn the most calories.
TABLE 7.4 Lean and Large Program
PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-4
WORKOUT 1: CHEST AND TRICEPS
Sets Reps
Muscle group Exercise
Chest
Incline bench press
2
6
2
12
Dumbbell bench press
2
6
2
12
Incline fly
4
12
Triceps
Dip
2
6
2
12
Close-grip bench press
2
6
2
12
Dumbbell overhead
2
12
triceps extension
WORKOUT 2: LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Legs
Squat
2
6
2
12
Leg press
2
6
2
12
Leg extension
4
12
Leg curl
4
12
Calves
Standing calf raise
4
12
Seated calf raise
4
12
Abs
Hanging leg raise
4
12
Crunch
4
12
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS AND TRAPS
Shoulders
Barbell shoulder press
2
6
2
12
Seated dumbbell
2
6
shoulder press
2
12
Lateral raise
4
12
Traps
Barbell shrug
2
6
2
12
Dumbbell shrug
2
6
2
12
WORKOUT 4: BACK, BICEPS, FOREARMS, ABS
Back
Deadlift
4
6
Barbell row
2
6
2
12
Lat pulldown
2
6
2
12
Straight-arm pulldown
4
12
138
WORKOUT 4: BACK, BICEPS, FOREARMS, ABS (cont.)
Sets Reps
Muscle group Exercise
Biceps
Barbell curl
2
6
2
12
Seated incline
2
6
dumbbell curl
2
12
Hammer curl
2
6
2
12
Forearms
Wrist curl
2
12
Reverse wrist curl
2
12
Abs
Reverse crunch
4
15
Cable crunch
4
12
PHASE 2: WEEKS 5-8
WORKOUT 1: CHEST AND TRICEPS
Sets Reps
Muscle group Exercise
Chest
Bench press
2
5
3
15
Incline dumbbell press
2
5
3
15
Decline fly
4
15
Triceps
Smith machine close2
5
grip bench press
3
15
Machine triceps dip
2
5
3
15
Lying triceps extension
2
15
WORKOUT 2: LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Legs
Smith machine squat
2
5
3
15
Lunge
2
5
3
15
Leg extension
4
15
Romanian deadlift
4
15
Calves
Leg press calf raise
4
15
Seated calf raise
4
15
Abs
Hip thrust
4
15
Crossover crunch
4
15
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS AND TRAPS
Shoulders
Dumbbell shoulder
2
5
press
3
15
Smith machine
2
5
shoulder press
3
15
Wide-grip upright row
4
15
Traps
Barbell shrug
2
5
3
15
Dumbbell shrug
2
5
3
15
PHASE 2: WEEKS 5-8 (continued)
WORKOUT 4: BACK, BICEPS, FOREARMS, ABS
Sets Reps
Muscle group Exercise
Back
Deadlift
5
5
Dumbbell row
2
5
3
15
Underhand-grip
2
5
pulldown
3
15
Straight-arm pulldown
4
15
Biceps
Standing dumbbell curl
2
5
3
15
Preacher curl
2
5
3
15
Reverse curl
2
5
2
15
Forearms
Wrist curl
2
15
Reverse wrist curl
2
15
Abs
Reverse crunch
4
15
Exercise-ball crunch
4
15
PHASE 3: WEEKS 9-12
WORKOUT 1: CHEST AND TRICEPS
Sets Reps
Muscle group Exercise
Chest
Dumbbell bench press
3
4
3
20
Smith machine incline
3
4
bench press
3
20
Cable crossover
4
20
Triceps
Dumbbell close-grip
3
4
bench press
3
20
Dumbbell overhead
2
4
triceps extension
3
20
Triceps pressdown
2
20
WORKOUT 2: LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Legs
Squat
3
4
3
20
One-leg leg press
3
4
3
20
Leg extension
4
20
Romanian deadlift
4
20
Calves
Standing calf raise
4
20
Seated calf raise
4
20
Abs
Hanging knee raise
4
20
Decline crunch
4
20
PHASE 3: WEEKS 9-12 (continued)
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS AND TRAPS
Shoulders
Standing dumbbell
3
4
shoulder press
3
20
Standing barbell
3
4
shoulder press
3
20
Cable lateral raise
4
20
Traps
Barbell shrug
3
4
3
20
Dumbbell shrug
2
4
3
20
WORKOUT 4: BACK, BICEPS, FOREARMS, ABS
Back
Deadlift
5
4
T-bar row
3
4
3
20
Lat pulldown
3
4
3
20
Straight-arm pulldown
4
20
Biceps
Barbell curl
3
4
3
20
Concentration curl
3
4
3
20
Rope hammer curl
2
4
2
20
Forearms
Dumbbell wrist curl
2
20
Standing reverse wrist
2
20
curl
Abs
Reverse crunch
4
20
Crossover crunch
4
20
139
140
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Training with heavy weight and low reps (4 to 6)
keeps the metabolism highest after the workout.
Keeping reps high (12 to 20) burns the most calories during the workout. Training heavy in addition
to doing high reps has the greatest effect on
calorie burn. That’s why this program uses heavy
weight for half the sets and light weight for the
final sets of most exercises. Rest between sets
is also critical for burning calories; shorter rest
periods lead to greater calorie burn. This program
uses rest periods of 30 to 60 seconds between
sets and a four-day training split. However, you
will be training six days a week to maximize your
caloric expenditure. This means you can repeat
the four-day split (done on consecutive days), with
one rest day between workout 4 and workout 1, a
total of six times. For example, you will start with
workout 1 on Monday, workout 2 on Tuesday, workout 3 on Wednesday, and workout 4 on Thursday.
You rest on Friday and then continue the cycle with
workout 1 on Saturday.
In phase 1, you train with 6 reps on the heavy
sets and 12 reps on the light sets. You do two
heavy sets and two light sets for most exercises.
Rest periods during this first phase are 60 seconds
between sets.
In phase 2, the reps on the heavy sets drop
to 5 per set while reps on the light sets increase
to 15 per set. Lighter sets also increase to three
per exercise to increase volume and total calories
burned during the workout. Rest periods should
drop to 30 seconds between sets to further
enhance calorie burn during and after the workout.
In phase 3, the reps on the heavy sets drop
again to 4 per set, and reps on the light sets
increase to 20 per set. In this phase, heavy sets
increase to three. Rest periods should remain at
30 seconds between sets.
At the end of phase 3 you can continue the
12-week program if you feel you have more body
fat to lose. Take one week off from the gym with an
active rest period, in which you do other activities
a minimum of six days per week. Then simply start
the program over at phase 1.
Big and Strong
For some weightlifters getting big is not the only
goal. They are concerned with developing strength
and muscle mass at the same time—and with
good reason. Generally, as muscles increase in
strength, they also increase in size. While there
isn’t a definite correlation between muscle strength
and muscle size, it makes sense that if you can
lift more weight or perform more reps with a given
amount of weight, you will better stimulate muscle
growth. This follows the principle of overload.
The six-month Big and Strong program cycles
two pyramid techniques—the DeLorme ascending
pyramid method (covered in chapter 9) and the
Oxford descending pyramid method (covered in
chapter 6). (See table 7.5.) With the DeLorme
ascending pyramid technique your first set is done
with about 50 percent of your 10-rep max (10RM)
for a given exercise, but for just 10 reps. On the
second set, you increase the weight to about 75
percent of your 10RM for that exercise and again
stop at 10 reps. On the third set you increase
the weight to 100 percent of your 10RM for that
exercise and complete as many reps as you can
until reaching failure. The repetition maximum is
not critical, because many powerlifters use this
pyramid method with 3RM, 4RM, 5RM, and 6RM
to train for strength. In fact, during the second
half of this program you will use a 6RM during
the DeLorme portion of the training. With the
Oxford descending pyramid technique, the first
set is done with 100 percent of your 10RM to
failure. On the second and third sets you reduce
the weight just enough to allow you to complete
about 10 reps. Again, the repetition maximum you
use is not critical because it is commonly used
with 6RM, 8RM, 12RM, and 15RM. In the second
half of this program the reps increase to 12 per
set. See table 7.5.
The DeLorme method tends to be better for
deriving strength gains, while the Oxford method
is better for stimulating muscle growth (Fish et al.
2003). This may be due to the amount of times you
reach failure on each exercise. With the DeLorme
technique, failure is reached only once, whereas
the Oxford technique elicits failure on all three sets.
Australian researchers have shown that training to
failure on just one set increases strength gains
better than going to failure on more than one set
(Drinkwater et al. 2005). Muscle failure, however,
seems to be important for inducing muscle growth.
The reason for this is that reaching muscle failure
better stimulates the release of growth hormone
(GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Both
are anabolic hormones that stimulate muscles to
grow. That is why this program cycles both methods. In the end, you achieve greater strength and
muscle growth.
TABLE 7.5 Up and Down for Strength and Size Program
WEEKS 1-6: DELORME 10RM STRENGTH PHASE
MONDAY AND THURSDAY: CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Set
Weight
Reps
Incline bench press
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Dumbbell bench
1
50% 10RM
10
press
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Barbell shoulder
1
50% 10RM
10
press
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Upright row
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Barbell shrug
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Close-grip bench
1
50% 10RM
10
press
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Triceps pressdown
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY: LEGS, BACK, BICEPS
Barbell row
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Lat pulldown
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Barbell curl
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Dumbbell hammer
1
50% 10RM
10
curl
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Squat
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Leg press
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY: LEGS, BACK, BICEPS (continued)
Exercise
Set
Weight
Reps
Romanian deadlift
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Standing calf raise
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
Seated calf raise
1
50% 10RM
10
2
75% 10RM
10
3
100% 10RM
10*
WEEKS 7-12: OXFORD 10RM MASS PHASE
MONDAY: CHEST AND TRICEPS
Reps (to
Exercise
Set
Weight
failure)
Incline dumbbell
1
100% 10RM
10
bench press
2 <100% 10RM**
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Smith machine
1
100% 10RM
10
bench press
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Incline dumbbell fly
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Triceps pressdown
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Seated overhead
1
100% 10RM
10
triceps extension
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
TUESDAY: LEGS
Smith machine squat 1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Lunge
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Leg extension
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Leg curl
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Note: Abs can be done at the end of any of these workouts.
*To failure.
**On the second and third sets of each exercise in this phase, reduce weight just enough to allow 10 reps to be completed.
> continued
141
TABLE 7.5 Up and Down for Strength and Size Program (continued)
THURSDAY: SHOULDERS
Exercise
Dumbbell shoulder
press
Reps (to
failure)
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Set
Weight
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Lateral raise
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Bent-over lateral
1
100% 10RM
raise
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
Dumbbell shrug
1
100% 10RM
2
<100% 10RM
3
<100% 10RM
FRIDAY: BACK AND BICEPS
Lat pulldown
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
T-bar row
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Straight-arm
1
100% 10RM
10
pulldown
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Seated incline curl
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Preacher curl
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
Reverse-grip curl
1
100% 10RM
10
2
<100% 10RM
10
3
<100% 10RM
10
WEEKS 13-18: DELORME 6RM STRENGTH PYRAMID
MONDAY AND THURSDAY: CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Set
Weight
Reps
Incline bench press
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
Dumbbell bench
1
50% 6RM
6
press
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
MONDAY AND THURSDAY: CHEST, SHOULDERS,
TRICEPS (continued)
Exercise
Set
Weight
Reps
Barbell shoulder
1
50% 6RM
6
press
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
Upright row
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
Barbell shrug
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
Close-grip bench
1
50% 6RM
6
press
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
Triceps pressdown
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY: LEGS, BACK, BICEPS
Barbell row
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
Lat pulldown
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
Barbell curl
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100%
6*
6RM
Dumbbell hammer
1
50% 6RM
6
curl
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100% 6RM
6*
Squat
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100% 6RM
6*
Note: Abs can be done at the end of any of these workouts.
*To failure.
**On the second and third sets of each exercise in this phase, reduce weight just enough to allow 10 reps to be completed.
142
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY: LEGS, BACK, BICEPS (continued)
Exercise
Set
Weight
Reps
Leg press
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100% 6RM
6*
Romanian deadlift
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100% 6RM
6*
Standing calf raise
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100% 6RM
6*
Seated calf raise
1
50% 6RM
6
2
75% 6RM
6
3
100% 6RM
6*
WEEKS 19-24: OXFORD 12RM MASS PHASE
MONDAY: CHEST AND TRICEPS
Reps (to
Exercise
Set
Weight
failure)
Incline dumbbell
1
100% 12RM
12
bench press
12
2 <100% 12RM**
3
<100% 12RM
12
Smith machine
1
100% 12RM
12
bench press
2
<100% 12RM
12
3
<100% 12RM
12
Incline dumbbell fly
1
100% 12RM
12
2
<100% 12RM
12
3
<100% 12RM
12
Triceps pressdown
1
100% 12RM
12
2
<100% 12RM
12
3
<100% 12RM
12
Seated overhead
1
100% 12RM
12
triceps extension
2
<100% 12RM
12
3
<100% 12RM
12
TUESDAY: LEGS
Smith machine squat 1
100% 12RM
12
2
<100% 12RM
12
3
<100% 12RM
12
Lunge
1
100% 12RM
12
2
<100% 12RM
12
3
<100% 12RM
12
Leg extension
1
100% 12RM
12
2
<100% 12RM
12
3
<100% 12RM
12
TUESDAY: LEGS (continued)
Exercise
Leg curl
Set
Weight
1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
THURSDAY: SHOULDERS
Dumbbell shoulder
1
100% 12RM
press
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
Lateral raise
1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
Bent-over lateral
1
100% 12RM
raise
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
Dumbbell shrugs
1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
FRIDAY: BACK AND BICEPS
Lat pulldown
1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
T-bar row
1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
Straight-arm pulldown 1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
Seated incline curl
1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
Preacher curl
1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
Reverse-grip curl
1
100% 12RM
2
<100% 12RM
3
<100% 12RM
Reps (to
failure)
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
Note: Abs can be done at the end of any of these workouts.
*To failure.
**On the second and third sets of each exercise in this phase, reduce weight just enough to allow 10 reps to be completed.
143
144
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
With the Big and Strong program you pyramid up
in weight on all your exercises during weeks 1 to 6
and again during weeks 13 to 18. The difference in
these two phases is the amount of weight you do
on the last set of each exercise. During weeks 1
to 6 you end with a weight you can do for 10 reps.
During weeks 13 to 18 you end with a weight that
you can do for 6 reps. During these parts of the
program you will train each muscle group twice per
week. That’s because you will need less recovery
time between workouts because you do fewer total
working sets per workout and train to failure on
only one set per exercise.
You can use the strength you gain during weeks
1 to 6 and 13 to 18 for lifting heavier weights
during weeks 7 to 12 and 19 to 24. Weeks 7 to
12 and 9 to 24 take you down the pyramid as you
decrease the weight on each successive set for
all exercises. During these phases, you train each
muscle group just once per week because they
will need the recovery since you will do more total
working sets per muscle group, plus you will train
to failure on every set.
Shortcut to Size
(Micromuscle) Program
One of my most popular training programs is the
12-week Shortcut to Size (a.k.a. Micromuscle)
that is featured on bodybuilding.com and detailed
in table 7.6. More than a million people have
completed the program, and many have gained as
much as 20 pounds (about 9 kilograms) of lean
muscle. The strength gains with this program are
also phenomenal.
The Shortcut to Size program is based on linear
periodization using microcycles, as covered in
chapter 3. In week 1 your rep range will be 12 to
15. In week 2 you bump up all the weights and
drop reps to 9 to 11. Week 3 adds weight again
to each exercise to drop the rep range to 6 to 8.
And in week 4 you bump the weight up again to
drop reps to 3 to 5 per set. Those are the four
microcycles that you will repeat. On week 4 you
have completed the first phase. On week 5 you
drop the weight back down and start all over at
12 to 15 reps per set. This is the start of phase
2. But now you will be able to do each rep range
with at least 5 and up to 20 pounds (a little less
than 2.5 and as much as about 9 kilograms) more
than you could in phase 1. In week 6 (week 2 of
phase 2), you will be back at 9 to 11 reps per set.
In week 7, or week 3 of phase 2, weight will go up
again to drop your reps down to 6 to 8 per set.
And in week 8 (or week 4 of phase 2), weight will
increase for 3 to 5 reps per set. That completes
phase 2. And in week 9 you start the final phase
(phase 3) by dropping back down to 12 to 15 reps
per set and run through the four microcycles again
until you are back down at 3 to 5 reps per set. Of
course, in each phase you will be using 5 to 20
pounds more than you did in phase 2 and 10 to 40
pounds (4.5 to 18 kilograms) more than you used
in phase 1. This is how you get stronger—much
stronger—over this 12-week program.
The constant increase in weight each week and
the recycling of these four phases lead to impressive gains in strength. The microcycles also lead to
muscle hypertrophy due to the constant changing
of the rep ranges each week. Another reason for
the gains in strength and mass has to do with the
fact that you keep the weight steady on each exercise for all sets and you are forced to complete
the minimum number of reps in that rep range.
Greater gains in strength and muscle mass are
guaranteed with this program. I have seen some
impressive results with this program. In men, I
have seen gains of strength over 90 pounds on the
squat and over 50 pounds on the bench press. And
for muscle, many guys have gained over 20 pounds
of muscle, as I mentioned. Yes, pure muscle, while
actually dropping body fat. Speaking of body fat,
when maximizing body fat with my training and diet
tweaks, some men have lost over 20 pounds of
body fat. And women have also seen impressive
gains in strength and muscle while losing body
fat. Women following my program have increased
their squat strength by over 60 pounds and bench
press strength by 30 pounds. And they have seen
gains in muscle of over 10 pounds and fat loss
over 10 pounds.
The first exercise you do for each muscle group
(except for abs and calves) will remain constant
throughout all 12 weeks. This is the exercise where
you focus on increasing your strength. Most of the
assistance exercises that follow the first exercise
will change in every phase. For abs, the exercises
will change each week based on the rep ranges.
This is because some ab exercises are easier to
do for higher reps, while some are difficult to do for
lower reps. So I organized the best ab exercises
for the prescribed rep ranges.
TABLE 7.6 Shortcut to Size Program
PHASE 1: WEEK 1
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
PHASE 1: WEEK 2
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Bench press
Sets ! reps
4 ! 12-15
Exercise
Bench press
Sets ! reps
Incline bench press
3 ! 12-15
Incline bench press
3 ! 9-11
Incline dumbbell fly
3 ! 12-15
Incline dumbbell fly
3 ! 9-11
Cable crossover
4 ! 9-11
3 ! 12-15
Cable crossover
3 ! 9-11
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 12-15
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 9-11
Lying triceps extension
3 ! 12-15
Lying triceps extension
3 ! 9-11
Cable overhead triceps extension
3 ! 12-15
Cable overhead triceps extension
3 ! 9-11
Standing calf raise
4 ! 25-30
Standing calf raise
4 ! 15-20
Seated calf raise
4 ! 25-30
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 12-15
Seated calf raise
Wide-grip pulldown
3 ! 12-15
Wide-grip pulldown
3 ! 9-11
Standing pulldown
3 ! 12-15
Standing pulldown
3 ! 9-11
Straight arm pulldown
3 ! 12-15
Straight arm pulldown
3 ! 9-11
Barbell curl
4 ! 12-15
Barbell curl
4 ! 9-11
Dumbbell incline curl
3 ! 12-15
Dumbbell incline curl
3 ! 9-11
One-arm high cable curl
3 ! 12-15
One-arm high cable curl
3 ! 9-11
Hip thrust
3 ! 20-30
Hanging leg raise
3 ! 15-192
Crunch
3 ! 20-301
Weighted crunch
3 ! 15-19
1
Oblique crunch
4 ! 15-20
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 9-11
3 ! 20-30
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 12-15
Dumbbell side bend
Dumbbell lateral raise
3 ! 12-15
Dumbbell lateral raise
3 ! 9-11
One-arm cable front raise
3 ! 12-15
One-arm cable front raise
3 ! 9-11
High cable reverse fly
3 ! 9-11
1
3 ! 15-19
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 9-11
3 ! 12-15
High cable rear delt fly
Dumbbell shrug
4 ! 12-15
Dumbbell shrug
4 ! 9-11
Seated calf raise
4 ! 25-30
Seated calf raise
4 ! 15-20
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 25-30
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 12-15
One-leg press
3 ! 12-15
Leg extension
3 ! 12-15
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 12-15
Lying leg curl
3 ! 12-15
Hip thrust
3 ! 20-301
Crunch
3 ! 20-301
Plank
3 ! 1 minute
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 15-20
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 9-11
One-leg leg press
3 ! 9-11
Leg extension
3 ! 9-11
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 9-11
Lying leg curl
3 ! 9-11
Hanging leg raise
3 ! 15-192
Weighted crunch
3 ! 15-19
Side plank
3 ! 1 min
1
Shoot for 20 to 30 reps, but if you can do more, continue until reaching failure. If you cannot complete 20 reps, do as many as you can,
trying to get as close to 20 reps as possible.
If you cannot complete 15 reps, do as many as you can, trying to get as close to 15 reps as possible.
2
Perform the hip thrust while holding a medicine ball or dumbbell between your feet or while wearing ankle weights.
3
> continued
145
TABLE 7.6 Shortcut to Size Program (continued)
PHASE 1: WEEK 3
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets ! reps
Bench press
4 ! 6-8
Incline bench press
3 ! 6-8
Incline dumbbell fly
3 ! 6-8
Cable crossover
3 ! 6-8
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 6-8
Lying triceps extension
3 ! 6-8
Cable overhead triceps extension
3 ! 6-8
Standing calf raise
4 ! 10-14
Seated calf raise
4 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 6-8
Wide-grip pulldown
3 ! 6-8
Standing pulldown
3 ! 6-8
Straight arm pulldown
3 ! 6-8
Barbell curl
4 ! 6-8
Dumbbell incline curl
3 ! 6-8
One-arm high cable curl
3 ! 6-8
3
Weighted hip thrust
3 ! 10-14
Cable crunch
3 ! 10-14
Cable oblique crunch
3 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 6-8
Dumbbell lateral raise
3 ! 6-8
One-arm cable front raise
3 ! 6-8
High cable rear delt fly
3 ! 6-8
Dumbbell shrug
4 ! 6-8
Seated calf raise
4 ! 10-14
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 6-8
One-leg press
3 ! 6-8
Leg extension
3 ! 6-8
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 6-8
Lying leg curl
3 ! 6-8
3
Weighted hip thrust
3 ! 10-14
Cable crunch
3 ! 10-14
Cable woodchopper
3 ! 10-14
PHASE 1: WEEK 4
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets ! reps
Bench press
4 ! 3-5
Incline bench press
3 ! 3-5
Incline dumbbell fly
3 ! 3-5
Cable crossover
3 ! 3-5
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 3-5
Lying triceps extension
3 ! 3-5
Cable overhead triceps extension
3 ! 3-5
Standing calf raise
4 ! 6-9
Seated calf raise
4 ! 6-9
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 3-5
Wide-grip pulldown
3 ! 3-5
Standing pulldown
3 ! 3-5
Straight arm pulldown
3 ! 3-5
Barbell curl
4 ! 3-5
Dumbbell incline curl
3 ! 3-5
One-arm high cable curl
3 ! 3-5
Smith machine hip thrust
3 ! 6-9
Machine crunch
3 ! 6-9
Band roundhouse elbow
3 ! 6-9
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 3-5
Dumbbell lateral raise
3 ! 3-5
One-arm cable front raise
3 ! 3-5
High cable rear delt fly
3 ! 3-5
Dumbbell shrug
4 ! 3-5
Seated calf raise
4 ! 6-9
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 6-9
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 3-5
One-leg press
3 ! 3-5
Leg extension
3 ! 3-5
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 3-5
Lying leg curl
3 ! 3-5
Smith machine hip thrust
3 ! 6-9
Machine crunch
3 ! 6-9
Plank
3 ! 75 sec
1
Shoot for 20 to 30 reps, but if you can do more, continue until reaching failure. If you cannot complete 20 reps, do as many as you can,
trying to get as close to 20 reps as possible.
If you cannot complete 15 reps, do as many as you can, trying to get as close to 15 reps as possible.
2
Perform the hip thrust while holding a medicine ball or dumbbell between your feet or while wearing ankle weights.
3
146
PHASE 2: WEEK 1
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets ! reps
Bench press
4 ! 12-15
Incline dumbbell press
3 ! 12-15
Dumbbell fly
3 ! 12-15
Incline cable fly
3 ! 12-15
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 12-15
Dumbbell overhead triceps extension
3 ! 12-15
Cable lying triceps extension
3 ! 12-15
Standing calf raise
4 ! 25-30
Seated calf raise
4 ! 25-30
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 12-15
Behind-the-neck pulldown
3 ! 12-15
Seated cable row
3 ! 12-15
Reverse-grip pulldown
3 ! 12-15
Barbell curl
4 ! 12-15
Preacher curl
3 ! 12-15
Behind-the-back cable curl
3 ! 12-15
Hip thrust
3 ! 20-301
Crunch
3 ! 20-301
Oblique crunch
3 ! 20-301
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 12-15
Smith machine upright row
3 ! 12-15
One-arm cable lateral raise
3 ! 12-15
Bent-over lateral raise
3 ! 12-15
Barbell shrug
4 ! 12-15
Seated calf raise
4 ! 25-30
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 25-30
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 12-15
Front squat
3 ! 12-15
Leg extension
3 ! 12-15
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 12-15
Seated leg curl
3 ! 12-15
Hip thrust
3 ! 20-301
Crunch
3 ! 20-301
Plank
3 ! 75 sec
PHASE 2: WEEK 2
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets ! reps
Bench press
4 ! 9-11
Incline dumbbell press
3 ! 9-11
Dumbbell fly
3 ! 9-11
Incline cable fly
3 ! 9-11
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 9-11
Dumbbell overhead triceps extension
3 ! 9-11
Cable lying triceps extension
3 ! 9-11
Standing calf raise
4 ! 15-20
Seated calf raise
4 ! 15-20
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 9-11
Behind-the-neck pulldown
3 ! 9-11
Seated cable row
3 ! 9-11
Reverse-grip pulldown
3 ! 9-11
Barbell curl
4 ! 9-11
Preacher curl
3 ! 9-11
Behind-the-back cable curl
3 ! 9-11
Hanging leg raise
3 ! 15-1921
Weighted crunch
3 ! 15-19
Dumbbell side bend
3 ! 15-19
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 9-11
Smith machine upright row
3 ! 9-11
One-arm cable lateral raise
3 ! 9-11
Bent-over lateral raise
3 ! 9-11
Barbell shrug
4 ! 9-11
Seated calf raise
4 ! 15-20
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 15-20
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 9-11
Front squat
3 ! 9-11
Leg extension
3 ! 9-11
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 9-11
Seated leg curl
3 ! 9-11
Hanging leg raise
3 ! 15-191
Weighted crunch
3 ! 15-19
Side plank
3 ! 75 sec
1
Shoot for 20 to 30 reps, but if you can do more, continue until reaching failure. If you cannot complete 20 reps, do as many as you can,
trying to get as close to 20 reps as possible.
If you cannot complete 15 reps, do as many as you can, trying to get as close to 15 reps as possible.
2
Perform the hip thrust while holding a medicine ball or dumbbell between your feet or while wearing ankle weights.
3
> continued
147
TABLE 7.6 Shortcut to Size Program (continued)
PHASE 2: WEEK 3
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets ! reps
Bench press
4 ! 6-8
Incline dumbbell press
3 ! 6-8
Dumbbell fly
3 ! 6-8
Incline cable fly
3 ! 6-8
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 6-8
Dumbbell overhead triceps extension
3 ! 6-8
Cable lying triceps extension
3 ! 6-8
Standing calf raise
4 ! 10-14
Seated calf raise
4 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 6-8
Behind-the-neck pulldown
3 ! 6-8
Seated cable row
3 ! 6-8
Reverse-grip pulldown
3 ! 6-8
Barbell curl
4 ! 6-8
Preacher curl
3 ! 6-8
Behind-the-back cable curl
3 ! 6-8
3
Weighted hip thrust
3 ! 10-14
Cable crunch
3 ! 10-14
Cable oblique crunch
3 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 6-8
Smith machine upright row
3 ! 6-8
One-arm cable lateral raise
3 ! 6-8
Bent-over lateral raise
3 ! 6-8
Barbell shrug
4 ! 6-8
Seated calf raise
4 ! 10-14
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 6-8
Front squat
3 ! 6-8
Leg extension
3 ! 6-8
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 6-8
Seated leg curl
3 ! 6-8
3
Weighted hip thrust
3 ! 10-14
Cable crunch
3 ! 10-14
Cable woodchopper
3 ! 10-14
PHASE 2: WEEK 4
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets ! reps
Bench press
4 ! 3-5
Incline dumbbell press
3 ! 3-5
Dumbbell fly
3 ! 3-5
Incline cable fly
3 ! 3-5
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 3-5
Dumbbell overhead triceps extension
3 ! 3-5
Cable lying triceps extension
3 ! 3-5
Standing calf raise
4 ! 6-9
Seated calf raise
4 ! 6-9
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 3-5
Behind-the-neck pulldown
3 ! 3-5
Seated cable row
3 ! 3-5
Reverse-grip pulldown
3 ! 3-5
Barbell curl
4 ! 3-5
Preacher curl
3 ! 3-5
Behind-the-back cable curl
3 ! 3-5
Smith machine hip thrust
3 ! 6-9
Machine crunch
3 ! 6-9
Band roundhouse elbow
3 ! 6-9
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 3-5
Smith machine upright row
3 ! 3-5
One-arm cable lateral raise
3 ! 3-5
Bent-over lateral raise
3 ! 3-5
Barbell shrug
4 ! 3-5
Seated calf raise
4 ! 6-9
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 6-9
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 3-5
Front squat
3 ! 3-5
Leg extension
3 ! 3-5
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 3-5
Seated leg curl
3 ! 3-5
Smith machine hip thrust
3 ! 6-9
Machine crunch
3 ! 6-9
Plank
3 ! 90 sec
1
Shoot for 20 to 30 reps, but if you can do more, continue until reaching failure. If you cannot complete 20 reps, do as many as you can,
trying to get as close to 20 reps as possible.
If you cannot complete 15 reps, do as many as you can, trying to get as close to 15 reps as possible.
2
Perform the hip thrust while holding a medicine ball or dumbbell between your feet or while wearing ankle weights.
3
148
PHASE 3: WEEK 1
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets ! reps
Bench Press
4 ! 12-15
Reverse-grip incline dumbbell press
3 ! 12-15
Incline dumbbell fly
3 ! 12-15
Cable crossover
3 ! 12-15
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 12-15
One-arm overhead cable triceps
3 ! 12-15
extension
Close-grip bench press
3 ! 12-15
Standing calf raise
4 ! 25-30
Seated calf raise
4 ! 25-30
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 12-15
Wide-grip pulldown
3 ! 12-15
Straight-arm pulldown
3 ! 12-15
Seated cable row
3 ! 12-15
Barbell curl
4 ! 12-15
Incline cable curl
3 ! 12-15
Dumbbell concentration curl
3 ! 12-15
Hip thrust
3 ! 20-301
Crunch
3 ! 20-301
Oblique crunch
3 ! 20-301
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 12-15
Dumbbell lateral raise
3 ! 12-15
Dumbbell upright row
3 ! 12-15
Bent-over lateral raise
3 ! 12-15
One-arm Smith machine shrug
4 ! 12-15
Seated calf raise
4 ! 25-30
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 25-30
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 12-15
Leg press
3 ! 12-15
Leg extension
3 ! 12-15
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 12-15
Lying leg curl
3 ! 12-15
Hip thrust
3 ! 20-301
Crunch
3 ! 20-301
Plank
3 ! 90 sec
PHASE 3: WEEK 2
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets ! reps
Bench press
4 ! 9-11
Reverse-grip incline dumbbell press
3 ! 9-11
Incline dumbbell fly
3 ! 9-11
Cable crossover
3 ! 9-11
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 9-11
One-arm overhead cable triceps
3 ! 9-11
extension
Close-grip bench press
3 ! 9-11
Standing calf raise
4 ! 15-20
Seated calf raise
4 ! 15-20
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 9-11
Wide-grip pulldown
3 ! 9-11
Straight-arm pulldown
3 ! 9-11
Seated cable row
3 ! 9-11
Barbell curl
4 ! 9-11
Incline cable curl
3 ! 9-11
Dumbbell concentration curl
3 ! 9-11
Hanging leg raise
3 ! 15-192
Weighted crunch
3 ! 15-19
Dumbbell side bend
3 ! 15-19
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 9-11
Dumbbell lateral raise
3 ! 9-11
Dumbbell upright row
3 ! 9-11
Bent-over lateral raise
3 ! 9-11
One-arm smith machine shrug
4 ! 9-11
Seated calf raise
4 ! 15-20
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 15-20
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 9-11
Leg press
3 ! 9-11
Leg extension
3 ! 9-11
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 9-11
Lying leg curl
3 ! 9-11
Hanging leg raise
3 ! 15-192
Weighted crunch
3 ! 15-19
Side plank
3 ! 90 sec
Shoot for 20 to 30 reps, but if you can do more, continue until reaching failure. If you cannot complete 20 reps, do as many as you can,
trying to get as close to 20 reps as possible.
1
If you cannot complete 15 reps, do as many as you can, trying to get as close to 15 reps as possible.
2
Perform the hip thrust while holding a medicine ball or dumbbell between your feet or while wearing ankle weights.
3
> continued
149
TABLE 7.6 Shortcut to Size Program (continued)
PHASE 3: WEEK 3
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Bench press
Sets ! reps
PHASE 3: WEEK 4
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, CALVES
4 ! 6-8
Exercise
Bench press
Sets ! reps
Reverse-grip incline dumbbell press
3 ! 6-8
Reverse-grip incline dumbbell press
3 ! 3-5
Incline dumbbell fly
3 ! 6-8
Incline dumbbell fly
3 ! 3-5
Cable crossover
4 ! 3-5
3 ! 6-8
Cable crossover
3 ! 3-5
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 6-8
Triceps pressdown
3 ! 3-5
One-arm overhead cable triceps
extension
Close-grip bench press
3 ! 6-8
One-arm overhead cable triceps
extension
Close-grip bench press
3 ! 3-5
Standing calf raise
4 ! 6-9
Standing calf raise
3 ! 6-8
4 ! 10-14
Seated calf raise
4 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 6-8
Seated calf raise
Wide-grip pulldown
3 ! 3-5
4 ! 6-9
WORKOUT 2: BACK, BICEPS, ABS
Dumbbell bent-over row
4 ! 3-5
3 ! 6-8
Wide-grip pulldown
3 ! 3-5
Straight-arm pulldown
3 ! 6-8
Straight-arm pulldown
3 ! 3-5
Seated cable row
3 ! 6-8
Seated cable row
3 ! 3-5
Barbell curl
4 ! 6-8
Barbell curl
4 ! 3-5
Incline cable curl
3 ! 6-8
Incline cable curl
3 ! 3-5
3 ! 6-8
Dumbbell concentration curl
3 ! 3-5
Dumbbell concentration curl
Weighted hip thrust3
3 ! 10-14
Smith machine hip thrust
3 ! 6-9
Cable crunch
3 ! 10-14
Machine crunch
3 ! 6-9
Cable oblique crunch
3 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 6-8
Band roundhouse elbow
Dumbbell lateral raise
3 ! 6-8
Dumbbell lateral raise
3 ! 3-5
Dumbbell upright row
3 ! 6-8
Dumbbell upright row
3 ! 3-5
Bent-over lateral raise
3 ! 6-8
Bent-over lateral raise
3 ! 3-5
One-arm smith machine shrug
4 ! 6-8
One-arm smith machine shrug
4 ! 3-5
Seated calf raise
4 ! 6-9
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 6-9
Seated calf raise
4 ! 10-14
Leg press calf raise
4 ! 10-14
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
3 ! 6-9
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, CALVES
Dumbbell shoulder press
4 ! 3-5
WORKOUT 4: LEGS AND ABS
Squat
4 ! 6-8
Squat
4 ! 3-5
Leg press
3 ! 6-8
Leg press
3 ! 3-5
Leg extension
3 ! 6-8
Leg extension
3 ! 3-5
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 6-8
Romanian deadlift
4 ! 3-5
Lying leg curl
3 ! 6-8
Lying leg curl
3 ! 3-5
Weighted hip thrust3
3 ! 10-14
Smith machine hip thrust
3 ! 6-9
Cable crunch
3 ! 10-14
Machine crunch
3 ! 6-9
Cable woodchopper
3 ! 10-14
Plank
3 ! 105 sec
Shoot for 20 to 30 reps, but if you can do more, continue until reaching failure. If you cannot complete 20 reps, do as many as you can,
trying to get as close to 20 reps as possible.
1
If you cannot complete 15 reps, do as many as you can, trying to get as close to 15 reps as possible.
2
Perform the hip thrust while holding a medicine ball or dumbbell between your feet or while wearing ankle weights.
3
150
Training Cycles for Building Muscle Mass
As already mentioned, this program works
well for the three main goals that everyone has:
increasing muscle strength, boosting muscle size,
and enhancing fat loss. Yet, if you want to focus
more on one of these three goals, you can also
do that and still get the other benefits.
Rest a good 3 minutes or even longer between
sets. The key is performing as many reps as possible within that prescribed rep range. More reps
equal more work performed each workout, and that
equates to greater strength gains over time. During
weeks 1 and 2 of each phase of the program, you
will do one rest-pause set on the last set of each
exercise. To do this, reach muscle failure on the
last set, then rack the weight and rest 15 seconds.
Then continue the set until you reach muscle failure again. During weeks 3 and 4 of all phases you
will do a drop set on the last set of each exercise.
To do this, take the last set to muscle failure and
then immediately reduce the weight by 20-30%,
and continue the set until failure again.
Superman Training
This workout program uses supersets that pair
opposing muscle actions. This is a bit different
from just pairing opposing (antagonist) muscles
because the exercise pairs are ones where the
movements are the exact opposites. For example,
you will pair the bench press for chest with the
barbell row for lats. However, when you perform
the lat pulldown for lats, you do not pair it with a
chest exercises. Rather, you pair shoulder press for
the deltoids with pulldown since these exercises
better oppose each other’s movement pattern.
The first benefit of supersets done this way is
greater strength and power. Research shows that
a muscle will contract with more strength and
power if preceded by contractions of its antagonist,
or opposing muscle group. For example, when
you do a superset of barbell rows followed by
the bench press, you’ll be stronger on the bench
press. In fact, Baker and Newton (2005) reported
that when trained athletes performed rows before
doing the bench press throw, they had significantly
more power on the bench press throw than when
they did it without first doing the rows. University
of Wisconsin at Parkside (Kenosha) researchers
(Ebben et al. 2011) found that when subjects did
a six-second isometric leg curl to fatigue the hamstrings before doing the vertical jump, quadriceps
force production increased by almost 15 percent
151
compared to when they did the vertical jump without first doing the leg curl. This phenomenon may
be due to greater inhibition of the antagonist muscles. Normally, the muscle you’re working is somewhat limited by its antagonist muscle, much like a
brake on a car would limit how fast you can go if you
kept it depressed. For example, during the bench
press, the strength of the pecs is somewhat limited
by the contraction of the back muscles. Doing a
set of rows before benching, however, lessens this
inhibitory effect, allowing the pecs to contract with
more force. Robbins et al. (2010) reported that
when participants did three supersets of rows and
bench presses using their four-rep max on each
exercise, they were able to perform more reps on
sets 2 and 3 than when they did traditional sets.
This may also be due to the greater inhibition of
the antagonist muscles, but it is also likely due to
getting a longer rest for each muscle group. When
you are training the opposing muscle group, the
other muscle group is getting some rest. And when
you combine the rest taken between supersets,
that equates to greater total rest for each muscle
group. For example, if you do three straight sets of
the bench press with one minute of rest between
sets, you get one minute of rest between each
set of the bench press. If you do supersets of the
barbell row and the bench press and rested one
minute between supersets, then you not only get
the one minute of rest between sets of the bench
press, but you also get the time it took to do rows
as additional rest time between bench press sets.
In some cases that could double the amount of
rest time between sets for each muscle group.
Regardless of the reason, being able to complete
more reps with a given weight will lead to greater
muscle strength and growth over time.
A second benefit to antagonist superset training is that you will burn more body fat. One study
from Syracuse University (Kelleher et al. 2010)
found that when participants performed supersets for chest and back, biceps and triceps, and
quads and hamstrings, they burned 35 percent
more calories during the workout and 35 percent
more calories after the workout than when they
did straight sets. The big news here is the greater
calorie burn after the workout is over. After all, a
workout may only last one to two hours, so you
can only burn so many extra calories in that time.
But burning 35 percent more calories after the
workout is over when you are sitting around the
rest of the day is where that extra calorie and fat
152
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
burning can really add up. This is the same main
reason why high-intensity interval training (or HIIT)
outperforms regular steady-state cardio to help
you drop fat so much quicker. Superset training
allows you to burn more calories and fat the rest
of the day, which can make a serious dent on your
body fat stores.
A third benefit of doing supersets in this fashion is that you work muscle groups that you’ve
likely neglected. When was the last time that you
focused on your tibialis anterior muscle, or your
lower traps? Probably never! This not only helps
you bring up these often-weaker muscle groups,
but it also helps restore balance. Not just balanced muscle development, but it helps to remove
strength imbalances that can hold your strength
back and predispose you to injury.
A fourth benefit of this style of superset training
is time management. You will be able to complete
far more sets of exercises in less time. You will
complete about 40 to 50 total sets of exercises
in each workout. Yes, you read that right: 40 to
50 total sets! That would normally take well over
two hours, maybe even close to three hours, to
complete so much work doing straight sets. Yet
with the Superman training program it will take you
only about 60 to 90 minutes. This will really ramp
up the fat burning, not to mention muscle growth.
A fifth benefit of this type of training is change.
One of my main mottos is change is good. Change
is critical in making continued progress to get
bigger and stronger. That’s why I offer so many
training programs. So you can keep changing up
your training and keep growing bigger, stronger,
leaner, and better. Changing up your training in
this manner is just what your body needs to finally
break through those plateaus that you’ve been
stuck in. When was the last time you did supersets
for every muscle group for every workout? Not to
mention when was the last time you did supersets where every exercise was an exact opposing
motion of the other? Probably never! But I’m not
just talking about the change this type of superset
provides. There is also the change in your training
split. With this program you will work the entire
body in just two days. Then there’s the change in
your training frequency. If you’ve been following
my Shortcut to Size (Micromuscle) program, then
you’ve been training each muscle group just once
per week (except for abs and calves). And most
people train each muscle group just once per week
in other programs. In the Superman program you
will train each muscle group twice each week. The
higher frequency will help to stimulate new muscle
growth and strength gains, not to mention greater
fat loss.
On top of all the change previously mentioned
will be the change in the rep ranges each week of
this five-week program. The Superman program
in table 7.7 uses an pendulum periodization
scheme. Weeks 1 to 3 will be done in a linear
periodized scheme where each week the weight
gets heavier and the reps get fewer. You will start
with 12 to 15 reps per set on most exercises in
week 1. Then you will move up in weight to limit
you to 8 to 10 reps per set in week 2. And then
you bump up the weight again in week 3 to limit
your muscles to completing just 4 to 6 reps per
set. And week 3 is also the starting point for the
next phase of the program because now you will
reverse this rep pattern to follow a reverse linear
periodization scheme. You already did 4 to 6 reps
per set in week 3, so week 4 jumps back up to 8
to 10 reps per set. And then in week 5 you jump
back up to where you started with 12 to 15 reps
per set. But you will find that you are suddenly
much stronger in these rep ranges during weeks
4 and 5 as compared to weeks 1 and 2. That’s
the magic of periodization.
You’ll probably like the bigger, stronger, and
leaner you that the 5 weeks of this program delivers. So if you want to continue with this superset
plan, you can do another round to extend the
Superman training program into a 9-week program.
TABLE 7.7 Superman Workouts
WEEK 1
WORKOUT 1: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS,
TRAPS, CALVES/TIBIALIS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Barbell bent-over row
4
12-15
–
Superset with bench press 4
12-15
1 min
Lat pulldown
4
12-15
–
Superset with dumbbell
4
12-15
1 min
shoulder press
Incline dumbbell fly
2
12-15
–
Superset with incline rear
2
12-15
1 min
delt raise
Cable crossover
2
12-15
–
Superset with cable
2
12-15
1 min
lateral raise
Dumbbell shrug
4
12-15
–
Superset with straight4
12-15
1 min
arm dip
Standing calf raise
4
12-15
–
Superset with standing
4
12-15
1 min
toe raise
WORKOUT 2: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
Squat
4
12-15
–
*
1 min
Superset with hanging
4
12-15
knee raise
Romanian deadlift
4
12-15
–
Superset with crunch
4
12-15
1 min
Leg extension
4
12-15
–
Superset with leg curl
4
12-15
1 min
Side plank reach-through
Triceps pressdown
Superset with barbell curl
Cable overhead triceps
extension
Superset with cable
overhead curl
Barbell reverse wrist curl
Superset with barbell
wrist curl
3
4
4
3
To failure
12-15
12-15
12-15
–
1 min
–
3
12-15
1 min
3
3
12-15
12-15
–
1 min
**
WORKOUT 3: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS/TRAPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Reverse-grip bench press
4
12-15
–
Superset with reverse4
12-15
1 min
grip barbell row
Dumbbell lateral raise
2
12-15
–
Superset with decline
2
12-15
1 min
dumbbell fly
Dumbbell upright row
2
12-15
–
*
1 min
Superset with dip
2
12-15
Arnold Press
4
12-15
–
Superset with reverse4
12-15
1 min
grip pulldown
Behind-the-back Smith
4
12-15
–
machine shrug
Superset with behind-the4
12-15
1 min
back Smith machine
straight-arm dip
Seated dumbbell toe raise 4
12-15
–
Superset with seated calf
4
12-15
1 min
raise
WORKOUT 4: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
Barbell roll-out
4
To failure
–
Superset with deadlift
4
12-15
1 min
–
Roman chair crunch
4
12-15*
Superset with back
4
12-15
1 min
extension
Leg curl
4
12-15
–
Superset with leg
4
12-15
1 min
extension
Leg curl
4
12-15
–
Superset with leg
4
12-15
1 min
extension
**
Oblique crunch
3
To failure
Cable lying concentration
4
12-15
–
curl
Superset with cable lying
4
12-15
1 min
triceps extension
Incline dumbbell curl
3
12-15
–
Superset with bench dip
3
12-15
1 min
Behind-the-back barbell
3
12-15
–
wrist curl
Superset with standing 3
12-15
1 min
barbell reverse wrist curl
If you cannot complete the prescribed number of reps, do as many as you can until failure.
*
Do not rest between sides and go back and forth from the right side to the left and back until all three sets are completed for both sides.
**
> continued
153
TABLE 7.7 Superman Workouts (continued)
WEEK 2
WORKOUT 1: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS, TRAPS,
CALVES/TIBIALIS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Bench press
4
8-10
–
Superset with barbell
4
8-10
1 min
bent-over row
Dumbbell shoulder press
4
8-10
–
Superset with lat pulldown 4
8-10
1 min
Incline rear delt raise
2
8-10
–
Superset with incline
2
8-10
1 min
dumbbell fly
Cable lateral raise
2
8-10
–
Superset with cable
2
8-10
1 min
crossover
Straight-arm dip
4
8-10
–
Superset with dumbbell
4
8-10
1 min
shrug
Standing toe raise
4
8-10
–
Superset with standing
4
8-10
1 min
calf raise
WORKOUT 2: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
–
Hanging knee raise
4
8-10*
Superset with squat
4
8-10
1 min
Crunch
4
8-10
–
Superset with Romanian
4
8-10
1 min
deadlift
Leg curl
4
8-10
–
4
8-10
1 min
Superset with leg extension
**
Side plank reach-through
3
To failure
Barbell curl
4
8-10
–
Superset with triceps
4
8-10
1 min
pressdown
Cable overhead curl
3
8-10
–
3
8-10
1 min
Superset with cable overhead triceps extension
Barbell wrist curl
3
8-10
–
Superset with barbell
3
8-10
1 min
reverse wrist curl
WORKOUT 3: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS/TRAPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Reverse-grip barbell row
4
8-10
–
Superset with reverse4
8-10
1 min
grip bench press
Decline dumbbell fly
2
8-10
–
Superset with dumbbell
2
8-10
1 min
lateral raise
Dip
2
8-10*
–
Superset with dumbbell
2
8-10
1 min
upright row
Reverse-grip pulldown
4
8-10
–
Superset with Arnold press 4
8-10
1 min
Behind-the-back Smith 4
8-10
–
machine straight-arm dip
Superset with Arnold press 4
8-10
1 min
Behind-the-back Smith
4
12-15
–
machine shrug seated
calf raise
Superset with seated
4
12-15
1 min
dumbbell toe raise
WORKOUT 4: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
Deadlift
4
8-10
–
Superset with barbell
4
To failure 1 min
roll-out
Back extension
4
8-10
–
*
1 min
Superset with Roman
4
8-10
chair crunch
Leg extension
4
8-10
–
Superset with leg curl
4
8-10
1 min
**
Oblique crunch
3
To failure
Cable lying triceps exten4
8-10
–
sion
Superset with cable lying
4
8-10
1 min
concentration curl
Bench dip
3
8-10
–
Superset with incline
3
8-10
1 min
dumbbell curl
Behind-the-back barbell
3
8-10
–
reverse wrist curl
Superset with behind-the- 3
8-10
1 min
back barbell wrist curl
If you cannot complete the prescribed number of reps, do as many as you can until failure.
*
Do not rest between sides and go back and forth from the right side to the left and back until all three sets are completed for both sides.
**
154
WEEK 3
WORKOUT 1: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS, TRAPS,
CALVES/TIBIALIS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Barbell bent-over row
4
4-6
–
Superset with bench press 4
4-6
1 min
Lat pulldown
4
4-6
–
Superset with dumbbell
4
4-6
1 min
shoulder press
Incline dumbbell fly
2
4-6
–
Superset with incline rear
2
4-6
1 min
delt raise
Cable crossover
2
4-6
–
Superset with cable
2
4-6
1 min
lateral raise
Dumbbell shrug
4
4-6
–
Superset with straight4
4-6
1 min
arm dip
Standing calf raise
4
4-6
–
Superset with standing
4
4-6
1 min
toe raise
WORKOUT 2: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/
TRICEPS, FOREARMS
Squat
4
4-6
–
*
1 min
Superset with hanging
4
4-6
knee raise
Romanian deadlift
4
4-6
–
Superset with crunch
4
4-6
1 min
Leg extension
4
4-6
–
Superset with leg curl
4
4-6
1 min
**
Side plank reach-through
3
To failure
Triceps pressdown
4
4-6
–
Superset with barbell curl
4
4-6
1 min
Cable overhead triceps
3
4-6
–
extension
Superset with cable
3
4-6
1 min
overhead curl
Barbell reverse wrist curl
3
4-6
–
Superset with barbell
3
4-6
1 min
wrist curl
WORKOUT 3: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS/TRAPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Reverse-grip bench press
4
4-6
–
Superset with reverse4
4-6
1 min
grip barbell row
Dumbbell lateral raise
2
4-6
–
Superset with decline
2
4-6
1 min
dumbbell fly
Dumbbell upright row
2
4-6
–
Superset with dip
2
4-6*
1 min
Arnold press
4
4-6
–
Superset with reverse4
4-6
1 min
grip pulldown
Behind-the-back Smith
4
4-6
–
machine shrug
Superset with behind-the- 4
4-6
1 min
back Smith machine
straight-arm dip
Seated calf raise
4
4-6
–
Superset with seated
4
4-6
1 min
dumbbell toe raise
WORKOUT 4: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
Barbell Roll-out
4
To failure
–
Superset with deadlift
4
4-6
1 min
–
Roman chair crunch
4
4-6*
4-6
1 min
Superset with back exten- 4
sion
Leg curl
4
4-6
–
4
4-6
1 min
Superset with leg extension
**
Oblique crunch
3
To failure
Cable lying concentration 4
4-6
–
curl
Superset with cable lying
4
4-6
1 min
triceps extension
Incline dumbbell curl
3
4-6
–
Superset with bench dip
3
4-6
1 min
Behind-the-back barbell
3
4-6
–
wrist curl
Superset with behind- 3
4-6
1 min
the-back barbell reverse
wrist curl
If you cannot complete the prescribed number of reps, do as many as you can until failure.
*
Do not rest between sides and go back and forth from the right side to the left and back until all three sets are completed for both sides.
**
> continued
155
TABLE 7.7 Superman Workouts (continued)
WEEK 4
WORKOUT 1: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS,
TRAPS, CALVES/TIBIALIS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Bench press
4
8-10
–
Superset with barbell
4
8-10
1 min
bent-over row
Dumbbell shoulder press
4
8-10
–
Superset with lat pulldown 4
8-10
1 min
Incline rear delt raise
2
8-10
–
Superset with incline
2
8-10
1 min
dumbbell fly
Cable lateral raise
2
8-10
–
Superset with cable
2
8-10
1 min
crossover
Straight-arm dip
4
8-10
–
Superset with dumbbell
4
8-10
1 min
shrug
Standing toe raise
4
8-10
–
Superset with standing
4
8-10
1 min
calf raise
WORKOUT 2: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
–
Hanging knee raise
4
8-10*
Superset with squat
4
8-10
1 min
Crunch
4
8-10
–
Superset with Romanian
4
8-10
1 min
deadlift
Leg curl
4
8-10
–
Superset with leg
4
8-10
1 min
extension
**
Side plank reach-through
3
To failure
Barbell curl
4
8-10
–
Superset with triceps
4
8-10
1 min
pressdown
Cable overhead curl
3
8-10
–
3
8-10
1 min
Superset with cable overhead triceps extension
Barbell wrist curl
3
8-10
–
Superset with barbell
3
8-10
1 min
reverse wrist curl
WORKOUT 3: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS/TRAPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Reverse-grip barbell row
4
8-10
–
Superset with reverse4
8-10
1 min
grip bench press
Decline dumbbell fly
2
8-10
–
Superset with dumbbell
2
8-10
1 min
lateral raise
Dip
2
8-10*
–
Superset with dumbbell
2
8-10
1 min
upright row
Reverse-grip pulldown
4
8-10
–
Superset with Arnold press 4
8-10
1 min
Behind-the-back Smith 4
8-10
–
machine straight-arm dip
Superset with behind-the- 4
8-10
1 min
back Smith machine
shrug
Seated calf raise
4
12-15
–
Superset with seated
4
12-15
1 min
dumbbell toe raise
WORKOUT 4: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
Deadlift
4
8-10
–
Superset with barbell roll- 4
To failure 1 min
out
Back extension
4
8-10
–
*
1 min
Superset with Roman
4
8-10
chair crunch
Leg extension
4
8-10
–
Superset with leg curl
4
8-10
1 min
**
Oblique crunch
3
To failure
Cable lying triceps exten4
8-10
–
sion
Superset with cable lying
4
8-10
1 min
concentration curl
Bench dip
3
8-10
–
Superset with incline
3
8-10
1 min
dumbbell curl
Behind-the-back barbell
3
8-10
–
reverse wrist curl
Superset with behind-the- 3
8-10
1 min
back barbell wrist curl
If you cannot complete the prescribed number of reps, do as many as you can until failure.
*
Do not rest between sides and go back and forth from the right side to the left and back until all three sets are completed for both sides.
**
156
WEEK 5
WORKOUT 1: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS,
TRAPS, CALVES/TIBIALIS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Barbell bent-over row
4
12-15
–
Superset with bench press 4
12-15
1 min
Lat pulldown
4
12-15
–
Superset with dumbbell
4
12-15
1 min
shoulder press
Incline dumbbell fly
2
12-15
–
Superset with incline rear
2
12-15
1 min
delt raise
Cable crossover
2
12-15
–
Superset with cable
2
12-15
1 min
lateral raise
Dumbbell shrug
4
12-15
–
Superset with dip shrug
4
12-15
1 min
Standing calf raise
4
12-15
–
Superset with standing
4
12-15
1 min
toe raise
WORKOUT 2: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
Squat
4
12-15
–
*
1 min
Superset with hanging
4
12-15
knee raise
Romanian deadlift
4
12-15
–
Superset with crunch
4
12-15
1 min
Leg extension
4
12-15
–
Superset with leg curl
4
12-15
1 min
**
Side plank reach-through
3
To failure
Triceps pressdown
4
12-15
–
Superset with barbell curl
4
12-15
1 min
Cable overhead triceps
3
12-15
–
extension
3
12-15
1 min
Superset with cable overhead curl
Barbell reverse wrist curl
3
12-15
–
Superset with barbell
3
12-15
1 min
wrist curl
WORKOUT 3: CHEST/BACK/SHOULDERS/TRAPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rest
Reverse-grip bench press
4
12-15
–
Superset with reverse4
12-15
1 min
grip barbell row
Dumbbell lateral raise
2
12-15
–
Superset with decline
2
12-15
1 min
dumbbell fly
Dumbbell upright row
2
12-15
–
*
1 min
Superset with dip
2
12-15
Arnold press
4
12-15
–
Superset with reverse4
12-15
1 min
grip pulldown
Behind-the-back Smith
4
12-15
–
machine shrug
Superset with behind-the- 4
12-15
1 min
back Smith machine
straight-arm dip
Seated dumbbell toe raise 4
12-15
–
Superset with seated calf
4
12-15
1 min
raise
WORKOUT 4: LEGS/ABS, BICEPS/TRICEPS, FOREARMS
Barbell roll-out
4
To failure
–
Superset with deadlift
4
12-15
1 min
–
Roman chair crunch
4
12-15*
12-15
1 min
Superset with back exten- 4
sion
Leg curl
4
12-15
–
Leg curl
4
12-15
–
4
12-15
1 min
Superset with leg extension
**
Oblique crunch
3
To failure
Cable lying concentration
4
12-15
–
curl
Superset with cable lying
4
12-15
1 min
triceps extension
Incline dumbbell curl
3
12-15
–
Superset with bench dip
3
12-15
1 min
Behind-the-back barbell
3
12-15
–
wrist curl
Superset with behind-the- 3
12-15
1 min
back barbell reverse wrist
curl
If you cannot complete the prescribed number of reps, do as many as you can until failure.
*
Do not rest between sides and go back and forth from the right side to the left and back until all three sets are completed for both sides.
**
157
158
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Superpumps
For bodybuilders the muscle pump is the ultimate
goal of most workouts. The pump is the rapid expansion in the size of muscles during a workout. The
pump simply refers to the filling up of muscle cells
with water. When you work out, you produce waste
products in the muscle cells. These waste products
are the result of burning glucose and fat to fuel
muscle contractions, and their build-up inside muscle
cells draws water (from the blood in the capillaries
that feed the muscle and the area surrounding the
cells) into the muscle cells. As with a balloon, the
more water that the muscle cell can hold, the bigger
the pump. The pump essentially places a stretch on
the muscle cell. This stretch not only makes muscles
momentarily bigger, but it also initiates biochemical
pathways that signal the muscle cell to grow.
Training with very high reps causes a greater flow
of blood to the trained muscles. It’s the muscle
contraction that stimulates the blood to be directed
in that direction. During the superpump program,
workouts focus on just one or two muscle groups
per session (see table 7.8). Each muscle group
will be trained just once a week with high reps
and multiple sets. The workouts focus on isolation
exercises and cables for constant tension and
employ techniques such as preexhaust, supersets,
compound sets, tri-sets, and drop sets. Keep rest
to no more than 90 seconds between sets or as
specified for each training protocol. Follow this program for no more than six weeks before switching
to a program that uses heavier weight and lower
reps. After that, you can go back to the superpump
program for maximizing muscle pumps during the
workout and creating long-term muscle growth.
TABLE 7.8 Superpump Program
MONDAY: CHEST, CALVES
Exercise
Sets Reps Notes
Incline dumbbell 4
12 Do each set to failure.
fly
Incline bench
4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
press
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
Dumbbell bench 4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
press
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
Pec deck
4 20-30 Keep rest between
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Standing calf
5 20-30 Keep rest between
raise
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Seated calf raise 5 20-30 Keep rest between
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Exercise
Straight-arm
pulldown
Barbell row
TUESDAY: BACK, ABS
Sets Reps Notes
3 12-15 Do each set to failure.
4
Wide-grip and
underhand-grip
pulldown
Straight-arm
pulldown
4
Hanging leg
raise
4
Crunch
4
4
12-15 Drop set on last set.
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
12-15 Perform these as compound sets.
20-30 Keep rest between
sets to less than 30
seconds.
12-15 Keep rest between
sets to less than 30
seconds.
15-25 Keep rest between
sets to less than 30
seconds.
WEDNESDAY: QUADS, HAMS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets Reps Notes
Leg extension
4 12-15 Perform as superset.
and leg curl
Smith machine
4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
squat
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
Leg press
4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
Leg extension
4 20-30 Perform as superset.
and Romanian
deadlift
Seated calf raise 5 20-30 Keep rest between
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Leg press calf
5 20-30 Keep rest between
raise
sets to less than 30
seconds.
THURSDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Exercise
Sets Reps Notes
Dumbbell rear,
3 12-15 Perform as tri-set.
front, lateral
raise
Dumbbell
4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
shoulder press
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
Wide-grip upright 4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
row
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
One-arm cable
4 20-30 Keep rest between
lateral raise
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Dumbbell shrug
4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
THURSDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps Notes
Smith machine
4 12-15 Perform as compound
back and front
sets.
shrugs
Reverse crunch
4 15-20 Keep rest between
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Cable crunch
4 15-20 Keep rest between
sets to less than 30
seconds.
FRIDAY: TRICEPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets Reps Notes
Dumbbell
4 12-15 Do each set to failure.
kickback
Close-grip
4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
bench press
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
Overhead rope
4 20-30 Keep rest between
extension
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Seated incline
4 12-15 Keep rest between
curl
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Barbell curl
4 12-15 Drop set on last set.
Drop weight 30 percent
and continue to failure.
One-arm high
4 20-30 Keep rest between
cable curl
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Barbell reverse
4 15-20 Keep rest between
wrist curl
sets to less than 30
seconds.
Barbell wrist
4 15-20 Keep rest between
curl
sets to less than 30
seconds.
159
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
MUSCLE FOCUS
Many bodybuilders are concerned with the development of particular muscle groups, such as biceps,
chest, and shoulders. For some, this is due to an
imbalance in their overall muscle development—
often caused by genetics or improper training. For
others, this is due to simple desire for having certain muscle groups (often the biceps) as large as
possible. If you have a particular muscle group that
you want to concentrate on developing, try one of
the following muscle-specific programs. There is a
specific program for each major muscle group. Each
program is tried and true in application and results.
Big Chest Program
Big pecs are the signature body part of a serious
bodybuilder. If your chest is a weak spot on your
physique, try following the big chest program
shown in table 7.9. It is a 16-week program broken
down into four separate phases that alter exercise
selection, training techniques used, weight and rep
ranges, number of sets, and even rest periods.
During this program you should alternate between
a four-day and five-day training split. During weeks 1,
3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 you will train chest twice
per week while training all other muscle groups just
once. For this you will use a four-day split that trains
chest and abs on Monday and Friday; shoulders
and triceps on Tuesday; back, biceps, and abs on
Wednesday; and legs and calves on Thursday. During
weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 you train chest once
per week using a five-day split that works chest and
abs on Monday; legs and calves on Tuesday; shoulders and abs on Wednesday; back on Thursday; and
biceps, triceps, and abs on Friday.
Phase 1 is designed to build mass and strength;
therefore, it involves mainly compound exercises
done for low reps. Phase 2 develops muscle size
and separation by increasing the number of isolation exercises and reps performed per set. Phase
3 is designed to shape and define the muscle
you built in the first eight weeks by increasing the
reps used again and incorporating compound sets.
Phase 4, the final phase, is a combination of the
three prior phases. It uses only heavy pressing
exercises for two of the workouts during weeks 13
TABLE 7.9 Big Chest Program
PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-4
Rest 60 to 120 seconds between sets.
Exercise
Sets
Cable crossover (prefatigue)
1
Incline barbell bench press
3
Flat dumbbell press
4
Decline barbell press
4
Dumbbell pullovers
3
PHASE 2: WEEKS 5-8
Rest about 60 seconds between sets.
Decline push-up (prefatigue)
1
Decline dumbbell press
3
Incline dumbbell press
4
Flat dumbbell fly
4
Cable crossover
3
PHASE 3: WEEKS 9-12
Rest 30 to 60 seconds between sets.
Pec deck
1
Flat dumbbell press
3
Incline dumbbell fly
3
Compound set with cable crossover
3
Decline barbell press
3
Compound set with pullover
3
Reps
25
6
6
6
6
25
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
25
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
PHASE 4: WEEKS 13-16
Rest 60 seconds between sets during weeks 13 and
15; 2 minutes between sets during weeks 14 and 16.
MONDAY (WEEKS 13 AND 15)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
4
4-6
Incline press
4
6-8
Decline press
4
8-10
FRIDAY (WEEKS 13 AND 15)
Incline fly
4
12-15
Flat fly
4
12-15
Pec deck fly
4
12-15
MONDAY (WEEKS 14 AND 16)
Incline dumbbell fly
4
10-12
Compound set with incline press
4
8-10
Pec deck
4
12-15
Compound set with machine bench
4
10-12
press
161
Training Cycles for Building Muscle Mass
and 15, lighter isolation for exercises for another
two workouts during those weeks, and compound
sets with higher volume for the single chest workout during weeks 14 and 16.
Big Wheels Program
Big legs seem to be last on the wish list of many
bodybuilders. The lower half of the body seems
to get neglected in an effort to focus on the more
obvious muscle groups of the upper body, such as
the arms and chest. If you’ve been guilty of neglecting your leg training, or if you are wise enough to
realize that muscular legs are just as important
as a muscular upper body to produce a balanced
physique, try this big wheels program to pack on
muscle to your quads and hams.
The 16-week big wheels program (see table 7.10)
is broken down into four 4-week phases. Phase
1 kicks off with a high-intensity training (HIT) leg
program that uses heavy weight. As discussed in
chapter 6, this training method uses high-intensity
methods and low volume. Precede each set with
one short warm-up set with approximately 50 percent of the weight you will use for the working set.
Take each working set to muscle failure. In addition,
you should have a spotter help you perform three
or four forced reps after reaching muscle failure.
Resist the negative portion on every forced rep.
Perform the HIT leg workout on Monday and Friday
(add abs following the Friday workout). Train chest,
back, and abs on Tuesday; train shoulders, biceps,
and triceps on Wednesday. Take Thursday off.
Phase 2 training drops the workouts back to
one per week as the volume and reps increase
dramatically. It also uses supersets and preexhaust
techniques to keep the intensity high. This phase
should be done as a five-day split, training legs
on Monday; chest and abs on Tuesday; shoulders
and traps on Wednesday; back on Thursday; and
triceps, biceps, and calves on Friday. In addition to
this training in the gym, in phase 2 you kick-start the
50–50 method for dumbbell squats (see chapter
6 for details). You will follow the 50–50 program
through phase 3 for a total of eight weeks. Use light
dumbbells and perform one set of 50 reps of dumbbell squats in the morning and at night, every day.
Phase 3 drops the reps down to 10 to 12 per
set, except on leg extensions where you will do
three sets of 21 (see chapter 6 for details). Leg
training goes back to twice per week as you’ll use
the same split in weeks 1 to 4.
TABLE 7.10 Big Wheels Program
PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-4
Exercise
Sets
Leg extension
1
Smith machine squat
1
Leg press
1
Hack squat
1
Romanian deadlift
1
Lying leg curl
1
Seated leg curl
1
Standing calf raise
1
Seated calf raise
1
Leg press calf raise
1
PHASE 2: WEEKS 5-8
Leg extension
5
Superset with lying leg curl
5
Squats
5
Leg press
5
Romanian deadlift
5
PHASE 3: WEEKS 9-12
Squat
4
Hack squat
4
Leg extension
3
Lying leg curl
4
Standing calf raise
4
Compound set with donkey calf raise
4
PHASE 4: WEEKS 13-16
MORNING: QUADS
Leg extension
3
Squat
3
Leg press
3
Hack squat
3
Walking lunge
3
One-leg leg extension
3
EVENING: HAMSTRINGS, CALVES
Lying leg curl
3
Romanian deadlift
3
Standing leg curl
3
Seated leg curl
3
Seated calf raise
3
Donkey calf raise
3
Standing calf raise
3
Leg press calf raise
3
Reps
10-12
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
10-12
10-12
12-15
12-15
12-15
20
20
20
20
20
10-12
10-12
21s
10-12
10-12
10-12
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
20
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
162
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
In phase 4 you are back to training legs once
per week, but you split the workouts into two per
day, with quadriceps on Monday morning and
hamstrings and calves on Monday night. Because
of this, the volume is very high, with multiple exercises for each muscle group. Follow the same split
as done in phase 2. The reps drop back to 8 to
10 per set for optimal muscle gains.
Calves to Cows Program
Calves seem to be the one muscle group of the
lower body that few bodybuilders have developed
to their satisfaction, and it’s also the one muscle
group that so many want to develop. Unfortunately,
if you aren’t genetically predisposed to building
big calves, you will have to work extremely hard
for every ounce of muscle you can add to them.
The calves to cows program (see table 7.11) is for
those bodybuilders who need to work their calves
hard and diligently. This program is divided into four
4-week phases that change up the rep range and
TABLE 7.11 Calves to Cows Program
PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-4
Exercise
Standing calf raise
Seated calf raise
PHASE 2: WEEKS 5-8
Leg press calf raise
Seated calf raise
Standing calf raise
PHASE 3: WEEKS 9-12
Standing calf raise
Donkey calf raise
Leg press calf raise
Compound set with seated calf raise
PHASE 4: WEEKS 13-16
Seated calf raise (toes out)
Seated calf raise (toes in)
Seated calf raise (toes straight)
Standing calf raise (toes straight)
Standing calf raise (toes out)
Standing calf raise (toes in)
Leg press calf raise (toes straight)
Leg press calf raise (toes out)
Leg press calf raise (toes in)
*Drop sets
Sets
3
3
Reps
25-30
25-30
4
4
4
15-20
15-20
15-20
4
4
4
4
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8-10*
8-10*
8-10*
8-10*
8-10*
8-10*
8-10*
8-10*
8-10*
weight used, the volume, and the training frequency
in a specific pattern. Each phase reduces the frequency at which you train the calves as well as the
rep range, but it increases the volume (number of
sets and exercises performed) and weight used.
Phase 1 starts off with training the calves five
days a week. Use a basic five-day training split
during this phase and train calves at the end of
every workout. Reps are extremely high but volume
is fairly low. Phase 2 increases the exercise number
and the sets performed to four per exercise, but it
drops the training frequency back to four days per
week. You can use a four- or five-day training split
during this phase. Reps decrease to about 15 to
20 per set. In phase 3, the frequency decreases
to three times per week, but an extra calf exercise is added and compound-set training is used.
Reps drop down to 12 to 15 per set. You can use
a three-, four-, or five-day basic training split during
this period of calf training. The final phase, phase 4,
trains calves only twice per week. Sounds simple,
but it increases the number of exercises performed
and includes drop sets on the last set of every
exercise. After you reach failure on the last set,
drop the weight about 30 percent and repeat that
twice. You can do this phase with any type of split.
Six Weeks to Sick Arms
Regardless of where you’re starting from, this
six-week program will put noticeable size on your
arms. You might expect to add an inch or more to
the arms. This six-week program is a progression
that ramps up the training frequency (how often you
train arms each week) starting at once per week in
week 1, twice per week in week 2, and three times
per week in weeks 3 through 5, and then backing
way off in the final week 6 to just once per week
again. There is a method to this madness.
Week one will annihilate your biceps and triceps.
You’ll pull out all the stops, using negative-rep training to destroy every single muscle fiber in the arms.
You’ll need a good week to recover from this. The
next week gets involves light weight and high reps.
Volume will be low on these workouts because
you’ll still be recovering from the previous week.
These workouts will help you to recover from the
previous week and will get you ready for the crazy
three weeks that are to come. In weeks 3, 4, and 5
you will be hitting arms three times per week. If you
think that sounds like overtraining, you're right. But
overtraining does not happen immediately. It takes
several weeks to actually become overtrained. The
Training Cycles for Building Muscle Mass
technical term for training that can lead to overtraining is overreaching. And what's interesting about
overreaching is that research shows that if your diet
is adequate in calories, protein, and carbohydrate,
as well as the right supplements, then you can
actually capitalize on overreaching and turn it into a
way to get bigger and stronger. But don't worry. I've
got you covered on a diet and supplement plan to
ensure that you turn the training into distinct gains.
Several studies from the University of Connecticut
(Ratamess et al. 2003; Kraemer et al. 2006) have
shown that when participants overreach for several
weeks, during the two weeks following, they grow
significantly bigger and stronger while taking it easy.
The key is to stop the overreaching just before it
turns into overtraining. That’s why you’ll be training
arms three times per week in weeks 3 through 5
and then switch it up to just once per week in week
6. I also suggest that the week after week 6 you
take it fairly easy on your arms and train them just
once that week before getting back into any serious
training programs.
Not only will the three-day-a-week arm training
shock your muscles into growing with frequent and
intense workouts that cause overreaching, but it
also takes advantage of the staircase effect for
building muscle. This refers to the fact that training
activates genes in muscle fibers that are responsible for many of the adaptations that take place,
such as muscle growth and increased strength.
For example, consistent training activates certain
genes that result in building more muscle fiber
protein, which means more size and strength.
These genes are typically activated a few hours,
and some remain activated for days. Repeated
workouts, if timed appropriately, can build on the
activation of the genes to reach an even higher
activity level and thus greater muscle growth.
This is referred to as the staircase effect. In other
words, let’s say a certain gene involved in muscle
growth is activated by a workout to the point that
that its activity is boosted by 100 percent after the
workout, then slowly declines in activity over the
next few days so that the day after the workout it is
still up by 75 percent, and the second day after the
workout it is up by 50 percent, then the third day it
is up by just 25 percent, and finally on the fourth
day after the workout it is back to the original level.
If you performed the workout on the fourth day after
the first workout or later, then that gene would be
bumped back to 100 percent of its original activity. However, if you worked out on the second day
after the first workout, when the gene was still up
163
by 50 percent, then you could potentially bump up
its activity to 150 percent. This could lead to even
greater muscle growth and strength gains than if
you waited to train again after the fourth day or
later, such as one week later. This is one reason
training a muscle group every 48 hours could lead
to even greater muscle growth and strength gains
than training every seven days.
Of course, this program is not all about training
frequency. While moving to more frequent workouts
can help you to build extra size on your arms, to
really get them up there in size will require pulling
out all the stops. So intensity techniques, like drop
sets, forced reps, rest, negative reps, and supersets, will be key in forcing them to grow. These
techniques not only put more stress on the muscle,
but they are also known to boost growth hormone
levels. In fact, one study from Finland (Ahtianen et
al. 2003) reported that participants doing forced
reps increased GH levels three times higher than
when they just stopped after reaching muscle failure. That extra growth hormone will be put to good
use initiating muscle recovery and growth. Yarrow
et al. (2007) reported that using negative-rep training leads to high GH levels. Another key element
to this program is the constant switching up of
weight and rep ranges every workout (undulating
periodization) to keep your arms growing.
Because you’ll be training arms pretty much
every other day during weeks 3, 4, and 5, you may
be worried about your arms still being sore when
you train them. Don’t be. Nosaka and Newton
(2002) showed that when participants work out
intensely to cause muscle pain and train that
muscle again just two days later and again four
days later when the muscle is still sore, it does
not impede recovery. Plus this can actually help
muscles grow. Pullinen et al. (2002) found that
when participants trained the same muscle group
just two days, the catabolic hormone cortisol was
lower. Since cortisol competes with testosterone,
having lower cortisol levels during and after workouts can make you more anabolic and allow your
testosterone to better enhance muscle growth.
To properly hit your arms during these six
weeks, you’ll need to alternate your training split.
Each week you will follow a four-day training split.
However, based on the week and number of times
you are training arms, you will be training on four
days of the week and pairing up different muscle
groups each week. Use the training splits in table
7.12 for each week of the Six Weeks to Sick Arms
program (see table 7.13).
TABLE 7.12 Six Weeks to Sick Arms Sample Training Split
WEEK 1
USE THIS TRAINING SPLIT DURING WEEK 1
Day
Muscle groups
Monday
Chest, triceps, biceps
Tuesday
Legs, calves
Wednesday
Off
Thursday
Back, abs
Friday
Shoulders, traps
Saturday
Off
Sunday
Off
WEEK 2
USE THIS TRAINING SPLIT DURING WEEK 2
Day
Muscle groups
Monday
Chest, triceps, biceps
Tuesday
Legs, calves
Wednesday
Off
Thursday
Back, biceps, triceps
Friday
Shoulders, traps, abs
Saturday
Off
Sunday
Off
WEEKS 3-5
USE THIS SPLIT DURING WEEKS 3, 4, AND 5
Day
Muscle groups
Monday
Chest, triceps, biceps
Tuesday
Shoulders, traps, abs
Wednesday
Back, biceps, triceps
Thursday
Off
Friday
Biceps, triceps, legs, calves
Saturday
Off
Sunday
Off
WEEK 6
USE THIS TRAINING SPLIT DURING WEEK 6
Day
Muscle groups
Monday
Chest, abs
Tuesday
Back, calves
Wednesday
Off
Thursday
Shoulders, traps
Friday
Triceps, biceps, legs
TABLE 7.13 Six Weeks to Sick Arms Workouts
WEEK 1
MONDAY: CHEST, TRICEPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Bench press
3
8-10
Reverse-grip bench press
3
8-10
Incline dumbbell fly
3
8-10
Cable crossover
3
10-12
3
3-5
Close-grip bench press
(negative reps)1
6-8
Close-grip bench press
32
*
6-8
Seated dumbbell overhead 3
triceps extension
6-8
Triceps pressdown
3*
1
3
3-5
Barbell curl (negative reps)
6-8
Barbell curl
32
6-8
Incline dumbbell curl
3*
TUESDAY: LEGS, CALVES
Squat
3
8-10
Leg press
3
10-12
Leg extension
3
12-15
Romanian deadlift
3
8-10
Rest
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
2-3 min
2-3 min
2-3 min
2-3 min
2-3 min
2-3 min
2-3 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
TUESDAY: LEGS, CALVES (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Lying leg curl
3
12-15 1-2 min
Standing calf raise
4
12-15 1 min
Seated calf raise
4
12-15 1 min
THURSDAY: BACK, ABS
Bent-over barbell row
3
8-10 1-2 min
Wide-grip pulldown
3
8-10 1-2 min
Reverse-grip pulldown
3
8-10 1-2 min
Straight-arm pulldown
3
10-12 1-2 min
Seated cable row
3
10-12 1-2 min
Hanging leg raise
3
To
1 min
failure
Standing cable crunch
3
10-12 1 min
FRIDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS
Barbell shoulder press
4
8-10 1-2 min
Dumbbell upright row
3
8-10 1-2 min
Dumbbell lateral raise
3
10-12 1-2 min
Dumbbell bent-over lateral
3
10-12 1-2 min
raise
Barbell shrug
4
8-10 1-2 min
To perform negatives, use a weight that is about 20% more than your one-rep max and have a spotter help you through the positive portion
of the rep. You should be able to slowly lower the negative rep for 3 to 5 seconds.
1
2
Perform two rests on the last set by resting for 15 seconds after reaching muscle failure and continuing the set and then rest another 15
seconds after reaching muscle failure again, then continue.
Do a drop set on the last set by immediately reducing the weight by 20 to 30% and continuing the set.
3
164
WEEK 2
MONDAY: CHEST, TRICEPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Incline bench press
3
8-10
Reverse-grip incline dumb3
8-10
bell press
Dumbbell fly
3
12-15
Decline dumbbell fly
3
12-15
3
15-20
Triceps pressdown
Lying triceps extension
3
15-20
Dumbbell overhead triceps
3
15-20
extension
Incline dumbbell curl
3
15-20
Dumbbell preacher curl
3
15-20
Dumbbell hammer curl
3
15-20
TUESDAY: LEGS, CALVES
Front squat
3
8-10
Hack squat
3
8-10
Leg extension
3
8-10
Seated leg curl
3
8-10
Dumbbell Romanian deadlift 3
8-10
Seated calf raise
4
20-25
Leg press calf raise
4
15-20
THURSDAY: BACK, BICEPS, TRICEPS
Pull-up
3
To
failure
One-arm dumbbell row
3
8-10
Wide-grip pulldown
3
10-12
Rest
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
THURSDAY: BACK, BICEPS, TRICEPS (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Seated cable row
3
10-12 1-2 min
Straight-arm pulldown
3
12-15 1-2 min
EZ-bar curl
3
20-25 1 min
High cable curl
3
20-25 1 min
1
Behind-the-back cable curl
3
20-25
Triceps dip
3
To
1 min
failure
Cable overhead triceps
3
20-25 1 min
extension
Rope triceps pressdown
3
20-25 1 min
FRIDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
8-10 1-2 min
Machine lateral raise
3
12-15 1-2 min
Smith machine upright row
3
12-15 1-2 min
Machine rear delt fly
3
12-15 1-2 min
Dumbbell shrug
4
10-12 1-2 min
Reverse crunch
3
To
–
failure
Superset with crunch
3
To
1 min
failure
WEEK 3
MONDAY: CHEST, TRICEPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Cable crossover
3
15-20 1-2 min
Bench press
3
15-20 1-2 min
Incline dumbbell fly
3
15-20 1-2 min
Incline dumbbell press
3
15-20 1-2 min
1
To perform negatives, use a weight that is about 20% more than your one-rep max and have a spotter help you through the positive portion
of the rep. You should be able to slowly lower the negative rep for 3 to 5 seconds.
2
Perform two rests on the last set by resting for 15 seconds after reaching muscle failure and continuing the set and then rest another 15
seconds after reaching muscle failure again, then continue.
Do a drop set on the last set by immediately reducing the weight by 20 to 30% and continuing the set.
3
> continued
165
TABLE 7.13 Six Weeks to Sick Arms Workouts (continued)
WEEK 3 (continued)
MONDAY: CHEST, TRICEPS, BICEPS (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
3
3-5
2-3 min
Close-grip bench press
(negative reps)1
4-6
2-3 min
Close-grip bench press
32
3
4-6
2-3 min
Seated dumbbell overhead 3
triceps extension
4-6
2-3 min
Triceps pressdown
33
1
Barbell curl (negative reps)
3
3-5
2-3 min
2
4-6
2-3 min
Barbell curl
3
4-6
2-3 min
Incline dumbbell curl
33
3
4-6
2-3 min
EZ-bar preacher curl
3
TUESDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Cable lateral raise
3
15-20 1-2 min
Smith machine behind-the3
15-20 1-2 min
neck shoulder press
Smith machine upright row
3
15-20 1-2 min
Face pull
3
15-20 1-2 min
Dumbbell shrug
4
15-20 1-2 min
Bicycle crunch
3
To
1 min
failure
Oblique crunch on angled
3
To
1 min
back extension bench
failure
WEDNESDAY: BACK, BICEPS, TRICEPS
Straight-arm pulldown
3
15-20 1-2 min
Wide-grip pulldown
3
15-20 1-2 min
Bent-over barbell row
3
15-20 1-2 min
Seated cable row
3
15-20 1-2 min
Standing cable concentra3
10-12 1-2 min
tion curl
3
10-12 1-2 min
Behind-the-back cable curl
Machine curl
3
10-12 1-2 min
One-arm dumbbell overhead 3
10-12 1-2 min
triceps extension
Triceps pressdown
3
10-12 1-2 min
Bench dip
3
10-12 1-2 min
FRIDAY: TRICEPS, BICEPS, LEGS, CALVES
Lying triceps extension
4
8-10
–
Superset with barbell curl
4
8-10 1-2 min
Triceps pushdown
4
8-10
–
Superset with high cable curl
4
8-10 1-2 min
Leg extension
3
15-20 1-2 min
Squat
3
15-20 1-2 min
FRIDAY: TRICEPS, BICEPS, LEGS, CALVES (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Leg press
3
15-20 1-2 min
Lying leg curl
3
15-20 1-2 min
Romanian deadlift
3
15-20 1-2 min
Seated calf raise
4
20-25 1 min
Leg press calf raise
4
15-20 1 min
WEEK 4
MONDAY: CHEST, TRICEPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Reverse-grip incline bench
3
10-12 1-2 min
press
Dumbbell bench press
3
10-12 1-2 min
Machine fly
3
10-12 1-2 min
Cable crossover from low
3
10-12 1-2 min
pulley
3
3-5
2-3 min
Close-grip bench press
(negative reps)1
Close-grip bench press
32 10-12 2-3 min
Seated dumbbell overhead 33 10-12 2-3 min
triceps extension
Triceps pressdown
33 10-12 2-3 min
3
3-5
2-3 min
Barbell curl (negative reps)1
Barbell curl
32 10-12 2-3 min
Incline dumbbell curl
33 10-12 2-3 min
EZ-bar preacher curl
33 10-12 2-3 min
TUESDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
10-12 1-2 min
Cable upright row
3
10-12 1-2 min
Cable lateral raise
3
10-12 1-2 min
Dumbbell bent-over lateral
3
10-12 1-2 min
raise
One-arm Smith machine shrug 4
10-12 1-2 min
Hanging leg raise
3
To
–
failure
Tri-set with twisting crunch
3
To
–
failure
Tri-set with reverse crunch
3
To
1 min
failure
WEDNESDAY: BACK, BICEPS, TRICEPS
Pull-up
3
10-12 1-2 min
One-arm dumbbell row
3
10-12 1-2 min
Reverse-grip pulldown
3
10-12 1-2 min
Straight-arm pulldown
3
10-12 1-2 min
1
To perform negatives, use a weight that is about 20% more than your one-rep max and have a spotter help you through the positive portion
of the rep. You should be able to slowly lower the negative rep for 3 to 5 seconds.
2
Perform two rests on the last set by resting for 15 seconds after reaching muscle failure and continuing the set and then rest another 15
seconds after reaching muscle failure again, then continue.
Do a drop set on the last set by immediately reducing the weight by 20 to 30% and continuing the set.
3
166
WEEK 4 (continued)
WEDNESDAY: BACK, BICEPS, TRICEPS (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Behind-the-back cable curl
3
15-20 1 min
High cable curl
3
15-20 1 min
Rope cable curl
3
15-20 1 min
Triceps pressdown
3
15-20 1 min
15-20 1 min
Cable overhead triceps exten- 3
sion
Reverse-grip triceps
3
15-20 1 min
pressdown
FRIDAY: TRICEPS, BICEPS, LEGS, CALVES
Lying triceps extension
3
25-30
–
Superset with close-grip
3
25-30 1-2 min
bench press
Triceps pushdown (rope
3 25–30
–
handle)
3
25-30 1-2 min
Superset with cable overhead triceps extension
Incline dumbbell curl
3 25–30
–
Superset with alternating
3
25-30 1-2 min
dumbbell curl
Rope cable curl
3
25-30
–
Superset with cable curl
3
25-30 1-2 min
(straight bar)
Lying triceps extension
4
8–10
–
Superset with barbell curl
4
8-10 1-2 min
Triceps pushdown
4
8-10
–
Superset with high cable curl 4
8-10 1-2 min
Front squat
3
10-12 1-2 min
Dumbbell step-up
3
10-12 1-2 min
Leg press
3
10-12 1-2 min
Leg extension
3
10-12 1-2 min
Lying leg curl
3
10-12 1-2 min
Leg press calf raise
4
10-12 1 min
Seated calf raise
4
10-12 1 min
WEEK 5
MONDAY: CHEST, TRICEPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Bench press
3
4-6
2-3 min
Incline dumbbell bench press 3
4-6
2-3 min
Dumbbell fly
3
12-15 1-2 min
Cable crossover from middle 3
12-15 1-2 min
pulley
WEEK 5 (continued)
MONDAY: CHEST, TRICEPS, BICEPS (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
3
3-5
2-3 min
Close-grip bench press
(negative reps)1
8-10 2-3 min
Close-grip bench press
32
3
8-10 2-3 min
Seated dumbbell overhead 3
triceps extension
8-10 2-3 min
Triceps pressdown
33
1
Barbell curl (negative reps)
3
3-5
2-3 min
2
8-10 2-3 min
Barbell curl
3
8-10 2-3 min
Incline dumbbell curl
33
3
8-10 2-3 min
EZ-bar preacher curl
3
TUESDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Barbell shoulder press
3
4-6
2-3 min
Standing dumbbell shoulder
3
4-6
2-3 min
press
Dumbbell lateral raise
3
12-15 1-2 min
Machine rear delt fly
3
12-15 1-2 min
Smith machine shrug
2
4-6
2-3 min
Behind-the-back Smith
2
12-15 1-2 min
machine shrug
Bicycle crunch
3
To
1-2 min
failure
Cable woodchopper
3
15-20 1-2 min
WEDNESDAY: BACK, BICEPS, TRICEPS
Bent-over barbell row
3
4-6
2-3 min
Wide-grip pulldown
3
4-6
2-3 min
Reverse-grip pulldown
3
12-15 1-2 min
Straight-arm pulldown
3
12-15 1-2 min
Preacher curl
3
20-25 1 min
Incline dumbbell curl
3
20-25 1 min
Dumbbell hammer curl
3
20-25 1 min
Triceps pressdown
3
20-25 1 min
Machine triceps extension
3
20-25 1 min
Dumbbell overhead triceps
3
20-25 1 min
extension
FRIDAY: TRICEPS, BICEPS, LEGS, CALVES
Close-grip bench press
3
12-15
–
Giant set with lying triceps
3
12-15
–
extension
Giant set with dumbbell
3
12-15
–
overhead extension
Giant set with bench dip
3
12-15 2-3 min
1
To perform negatives, use a weight that is about 20% more than your one-rep max and have a spotter help you through the positive portion
of the rep. You should be able to slowly lower the negative rep for 3 to 5 seconds.
2
Perform two rests on the last set by resting for 15 seconds after reaching muscle failure and continuing the set and then rest another 15
seconds after reaching muscle failure again, then continue.
Do a drop set on the last set by immediately reducing the weight by 20 to 30% and continuing the set.
3
> continued
167
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 7.13 Six Weeks to Sick Arms Workouts (continued)
WEEK 5 (continued)
FRIDAY: TRICEPS, BICEPS, LEGS, CALVES (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Prone incline curl
3
12-15
–
Giant set with incline
3
12-15
–
dumbbell curl
Giant set with EZ-bar curl
3
12-15
–
Giant set with dumbbell
3
12-15 2-3 min
hammer curl
Squat
3
4-6
2-3 min
Leg press
3
4-6
2-3 min
Leg extension
3
12-15 1-2 min
Romanian deadlift
3
4-6
2-3 min
Seated leg curl
3
12-15 1-2 min
Standing calf raise
4
12-15 1 min
Seated calf raise
4
20-25 1 min
WEEK 6
EASY ARM WORKOUT: HIGHER REPS OR MODERATE REPS
MONDAY: CHEST, ABS
Exercise
Sets Reps
Rest
Bench press
3
8-10 1-2 min
Reverse-grip incline
3
8-10 1-2 min
dumbbell bench press
Incline dumbbell fly
3
15-20 1 min
Smith machine bench press
3
15-20 1-2 min
Hanging leg raise
3
To
1 min
failure
Cable crunch
3
15-20 1 min
Oblique cable crunch
3
15-20 1 min
WEEK 6 (continued)
TUESDAY: BACK, CALVES
Exercise
Sets Reps
Bent-over barbell row
3
8-10
Wide-grip pulldown
3
8-10
Straight-arm pulldown
3
15-20
Seated cable row
3
15-20
Seated calf raise
3
15-20
Superset with one-leg stand- 3
6-20
ing calf raise (body weight)
THURSDAY: SHOULDERS, TRAPS
Barbell shoulder press
3
8-10
Dumbbell lateral raise
3
8-10
Dumbbell rear delt raise
3
15-20
Machine shoulder press
3
15-20
Barbell shrug
4
8-10
Behind-the-back Smith
2
12-15
machine shrug
FRIDAY: TRICEPS, BICEPS, LEGS
Close-grip bench press
3
8-10
Dumbbell overhead triceps
3
8-10
extension
Triceps pressdown
3
8-10
Barbell curl
3
8-10
Incline dumbbell curl
3
8-10
Dumbbell hammer curl
3
8-10
Squat
3
8-10
Leg press
3
8-10
Leg extension
3
15-20
Smith machine squat
3
15-20
Romanian deadlift
3
8-10
Seated leg curl
3
15-20
Wider Is Better Back Program
with abs. Do chest, shoulders, and calves on
Tuesday; biceps, triceps, and abs on Wednesday;
and legs on Thursday. Phase 2 increases the
volume and decreases the frequency to once
per week. Train chest, shoulders, and abs on
Monday. The compound sets add another level
of challenge, which means the back muscles will
need a full week of recovery during this phase.
Phase 3 is done twice per week with the same
training split that is used in phase 1. The Monday
and Friday workouts are different. The Monday
workout focuses on rowing exercises done with
Having a wide back makes you look impressive
from both the front and back. It’s also an important area to develop for strength in all other exercises. This 16-week program can help you build
up a weak back (see table 7.14). Phase 1 uses
pull-ups as a warm-up and deadlifts, rows, and
good mornings to build a strong back. Reps are
low to encourage strength gains, and the volume
is low because you do this workout twice a week
during this phase on Monday and Friday along
Rest
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
–
1 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1-2 min
1 min
1 min
1-2 min
1 min
169
Training Cycles for Building Muscle Mass
heavier weight and low reps. The Friday workout,
on the other hand, focuses on pull-ups and pulldowns with lighter weight and higher reps. This
workout should be one giant set cycled through
twice. Phase 4 is a cable-ready program that
hits the lats from a variety of angles with all
cable moves. This keeps maximal tension on
the muscles throughout the full range of motion.
Reps are higher, and you should do drop sets
on the last set of each cable exercise. Do this
workout once per week with a split similar to the
one used in phase 2. At the end of phase 4 you
can switch to a more basic back workout using
the split you typically train with.
TABLE 7.14 Wider Is Better Back Program
PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-4
Exercise
Sets
Pull-up
3
Deadlift
3
Barbell bent-over row
3
Lat pulldown
3
Barbell good morning
3
PHASE 2: WEEKS 5-8
Pull-up
2
Barbell row
3
Compound set with lat pulldown
3
T-bar rows
3
Compound set with straight-arm
3
pulldown
Back extension
3
Reps
8-10
4-6
4-6
4-6
8-10
10-12
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
Cannonball Delts Program
As with the back, having big, round, muscular shoulders can make your physique appear larger from
every angle. Since the deltoid muscle is composed
of three heads, a well-balanced shoulder program
should target all three heads. The cannonball
delts program (see table 7.15) drives growth in
all three heads in order to build deltoids that are
massive and balanced. Phase 1 starts with a basic
strength and mass program done twice per week
on Monday and Friday along with traps and abs.
The Monday workout is a barbell blasting workout
and the Friday workout is done with all dumbbells.
Train legs and calves on Tuesday; chest, triceps,
PHASE 3: WEEKS 9-12
MONDAY
Exercise
Barbell row
Dumbbell row
Seated cable row
FRIDAY
Pull-up
Lat pulldown (wide grip)
Lat pulldown (narrow grip)
Lat pulldown (underhand grip)
PHASE 4: WEEKS 13-16
Lat pulldown
Incline bench cable row from high
pulley
Seated cable row
One-arm bent-over cable row
Back extension
Sets
4
4
4
Reps
6-8
6-8
6-8
2
2
2
2
8-10
10-12
10-12
10-12
4
4
12-15
12-15
4
4
3
12-15
12-15
12-15
and abs on Wednesday; and back and biceps on
Thursday. Both are done with low reps and low
volume. Phase 2 drops the frequency back to once
per week as the intensity is ratcheted up with highrep, high-volume training that uses the preexhaust
technique. Train chest, triceps, and abs on Monday;
shoulders and traps on Wednesday; legs on Thursday; and back, biceps, and abs on Friday. Phase 3
splits the training up into one pressing workout on
Monday and one raise workout done as a tri-set
on Friday. Do this with the same training split used
in phase 1. Phase 4 finishes off the delts with a
once-a-week microcycle that blasts the delts with
increasing reps each week and plenty of drop sets
on the last set of each exercise.
TABLE 7.15 Cannonball Delts Program
PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-4
MONDAY
Exercise
Barbell push press
PHASE 2: WEEKS 5-8
Sets
4
Reps
3-5
Seated barbell shoulder press
4
4-6
Wide-grip upright row
4
4-6
Barbell front raise
4
6-8
Barbell shrug
4
6-8
Standing dumbbell shoulder press
3
6-8
One-arm dumbbell lateral raise
3
6-8
Bent-over dumbbell lateral raise
3
6-8
Alternating dumbbell front raise
3
6-8
Dumbbell shrug
3
6-8
Cable front raise
4
12-15
Barbell shoulder press
4
8-10
Dumbbell lateral raise
4
10-12
Dumbbell shoulder press
4
8-10
Bent-over lateral raise
4
10-12
One-arm dumbbell shrug*
4
8-10
Sets
4
4
4
4
Reps
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
4
4
4
4
15-20
15-20
15-20
10-12
PHASE 3: WEEKS 9-12
MONDAY
FRIDAY
Exercise
Barbell shoulder press
Dumbbell shoulder press
Dumbbell upright row
Cable lateral raise
Standing cable reverse fly
Dumbbell shrug
Exercise
Standing barbell shoulder press
Seated dumbbell press
Smith machine shoulder press
Behind-the-back barbell shrug
FRIDAY
Bent-over dumbbell lateral raise
Dumbbell lateral raise
Dumbbell front raise
Seated dumbbell shrug
PHASE 4: WEEKS 13-16*
WEEK 13
WEEK 14
Sets
Reps
Sets
Reps
4
6
4
10
4
6
4
10
4
6
4
10
4
6
4
10
4
6
4
10
4
6
4
10
*Alternate right and left arm without resting until each arm has done four sets.
170
WEEK 15
Sets
Reps
4
15
4
15
4
15
4
15
4
15
4
15
WEEK 16
Sets
Reps
4
20
4
20
4
20
4
20
4
20
4
20
PART III
TRAINING FOR
MAXIMAL STRENGTH
172
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Training for maximal strength is much different
from training for muscle mass. From a training
standpoint, the total volume and reps performed
per set tend to be lower when training for strength
compared to the volume and number of reps when
training for muscle mass. From a physiological
standpoint, muscle growth tends to be more about
the aftereffects of training, while muscle strength
also has a learning component that develops
during the actual workouts. Even though mechanical stress and metabolic stress are important
factors for developing muscle strength, there is
a large component to strength development that
relies on training of the nervous system.
Motor nerves that run from the spinal cord to the
muscle fibers are responsible for initiating muscle
contractions. Strength training increases muscle
strength through several adaptations of the motor
nerves. One mechanism involves training the
motor nerves to fire at a faster rate. This allows
the muscle fibers to contract with more force (that
is, greater strength). Strength training also trains
the motor nerves to fire at this faster rate for a
longer period without fatiguing, This allows more
reps to be done with a certain amount of weight.
Another mechanism that leads to enhanced
strength is synchronization of motor nerves. This
refers to the ability of motor nerves that control
various muscle fibers within the same muscle to
fire at the precise time to allow for the greatest
production of muscle force.
What is similar between training programs for
maximizing muscle strength and programs for
maximizing muscle growth is that both trial and
error in the gym and research in the laboratory have
defined the training techniques and programs that
work best at encouraging strength gains. Part III will
teach you how to train for maximal strength. Chapter 8 covers basic workouts for building strength.
This chapter starts with a lesson on weekly training splits that are optimal for building strength
regardless of your training schedule. From there
it progresses to general guidelines for training to
maximize strength gains. Finally, it covers training
tips and strategies for maximizing muscle strength
on the three major strength lifts (bench press,
squat, deadlift) as well as rules for training the core.
Chapter 9 introduces you to advanced training
techniques that will have you lifting more weight
in no time. These techniques work to increase
mechanical and metabolic stress as well as
enhance the firing rate and synchronicity of motor
nerves.
Chapter 10 provides long-term periodized training cycles that will help you continually improve
your strength without plateauing. It starts by
teaching you how to test your maximal strength,
a critical component for assessing your progress
over the course of any strength training cycle. From
there, you can pick a training cycle that best fits
your training experience and follow the sequencing
cycles. Or you can follow a cycle that is specific to
the exercise in which you want to boost strength.
Regardless of your training experience or specific
strength goals, this section covers everything you
need to know to realize your strength potential.
CHAPTER 8
Tactics for Maximizing
Strength
The first step toward getting stronger is learning
how to develop workouts and basic training programs with that goal in mind. The variables you
will need to consider for developing strength training workouts, as discussed in chapter 2, are the
choice of exercises you will perform, the order of
those exercises, how many sets of each exercise
you will do, how heavy a weight you will use on
those exercises, and how much rest you will allow
between sets. Furthermore, you will also need to
consider how often to train each muscle group and
what type of training split you will employ.
This chapter focuses on the common training
splits used by lifters interested in maximizing
muscle strength. This will help you determine
the best weekly schedule to follow for increasing
muscle strength. From there the chapter steps
back to focus on the variables of each workout.
Then it steps back again to focus on the details of
the specific exercises. Each step gives you more
detail regarding guidelines, techniques, and tips
for maximizing your muscle strength.
WEEKLY SPLITS
Regardless of whether your goal is to develop
strength or muscle mass, the easiest way to split
up your training is to work within the confines of
the week. Although the body doesn’t specifically
follow a seven-day cycle, for practical purposes,
a seven-day strength training cycle makes sense
with most people’s schedules. The following splits
for developing strength all follow a seven-day cycle
and will fit anyone’s schedule and level of strength
training experience.
One common denominator of these splits is
that they focus on training three major strength
lifts—the bench press (the marker for upperbody strength), squats (the marker for lower-body
strength), and deadlifts (the marker for overall
body strength). These also are the three lifts
that are involved in powerlifting competition.
Typically, the resistance used on these three
exercises is expressed as a percentage of the
weightlifter’s one-repetition max (1RM), while all
other exercises are expressed as an RM target
zone—the resistance that limits a lifter to a
specific number of repetitions. This is because
powerlifters and others interested in training for
strength frequently test their 1RM on the three
major exercises.
Because training for maximal strength typically
involves training with the three major strength
exercises, as opposed to training a multitude of
muscle groups, there tend to be fewer commonly
used training splits. This does not mean that there
are a limited number of ways to split up a strength
training program. The following training splits are
those that are well accepted by the majority of
strength experts and athletes.
Whole-Body Strength Training
Whole-body strength training refers to single
workouts that stress most major muscle groups
of the body. This training split allows for most
major muscle groups to be trained three times
per week—usually Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday. Many experts believe that frequency of
training is important for gaining strength. In fact,
many strength coaches have their athletes follow
173
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
a whole-body training system. Not only do they
think the frequency of training is important, but
most also believe that because the body works
as a whole unit, it should be trained accordingly.
Therefore, a whole-body strength training split
can be an effective means of increasing overall
strength.
The frequency offered by whole-body strength
training is also beneficial for beginners. As discussed in chapter 5, this is because the initial
adaptations made in a strength training program
involve the training of the nervous system. The
best way for beginners to train to build strength
is to use slightly higher repetitions than trained
lifters use and more frequent training of the same
exercises to program their nervous systems.
The workouts on a whole-body split typically
include one exercise per major muscle group. The
exercise choices usually include the bench press,
squat, and deadlift, or similar exercises that mimic
those particular exercises, as well as assistance
exercises that help with increasing strength on
these particular exercises. Most weightlifters who
use a whole-body split do not train small muscle
groups (such as traps, forearms, and calves) in
order to better concentrate on the muscles that
are directly involved in the bench press, squat,
and deadlift.
When you are following a whole-body training
split, the first exercise of the workout should
alternate between the bench press, squat, and
deadlift. That way, each major strength exercise
is trained once per week when the body is fresh.
Some powerlifters also include one extra assistance exercise for the exercise they are focusing
on in that workout. For example, in table 8.1,
on Monday, leg press is done in addition to the
squat.
TABLE 8.1 Whole-Body Strength Training Split
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
% 1RM
Exercise
Sets
or reps
Squat
4
85%
Leg press
3
8-10
Incline bench press
4
6-8
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
6-8
Barbell row
3
6-8
Stiff-leg deadlift
3
6-8
Close-grip bench press
3
6-8
Dumbbell curl
3
8-10
Hanging leg raise
3
10-12
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Bench press
4
85%
Dumbbell bench press
3
8-10
Barbell hack squat
3
6-8
Barbell shoulder press
3
6-8
Deadlift
3
80%
Dumbbell row
3
8-10
Triceps dip
3
8-10
Barbell curl
3
6-8
Cable woodchopper
3
20
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Deadlift
4
85%
One-arm dumbbell deadlift
3
8-10
Bench press
3
8-10
Upright row
3
6-8
Lat pulldown
3
8-10
Lying triceps extension
3
6-8
Preacher curl
3
8-10
Back extension
3
15-20
Tactics for Maximizing Strength
Push–Pull Training Split
This split divides the workouts into pushing exercises and pulling exercises. Pushing exercises
include any exercise in which the positive (concentric) portion of the exercise involves pushing or
pressing the weight away from the body (such as
in the bench press and shoulder press) or pushing
the body away from the floor or platform (such as
in the squat). Pull exercises include any exercise
in which the positive (concentric) action involves
pulling the weight toward the body (such as in the
biceps curl, barbell row, or leg curl) or pulling the
body toward a fixed object (such as in the pull-up).
The reason that some weightlifters split their
workouts into push-and-pull workouts is that those
exercises involve similar muscle groups working
together to perform the exercise. For example,
the pectoralis, deltoid, and triceps muscles are all
used to varying degrees during the bench press
and the shoulder press.
Push-and-pull training allows for each workout to
be done twice a week for a total of four workouts
per week, as shown in table 8.2. On push day, it
is wise to alternate between the bench press and
the squat as the starting exercise.
TABLE 8.2 Push–Pull Training Split
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY*):
PUSH WORKOUT
% 1RM
Exercise
Sets
or reps
Squat*
4
90%
Leg press
3
8-10
Leg extension
3
8-10
Bench press*
4
75%
Incline dumbbell press
3
8-10
Dumbbell shoulder press
4
6-8
Close-grip bench press
4
6-8
Standing calf raise
4
8-10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY):
PULL WORKOUT
Deadlift
4
90%
Lying leg curl
3
8-10
Barbell row
4
6-8
Lat pulldown
3
8-10
Barbell curl
4
6-8
Weighted crunch
4
8-10
*On Thursday, perform bench press and incline dumbbell press
before squats.
175
Upper- and Lower-Body
Powerlifting Split
This split divides workouts into an upper-body
workout day and a lower-body workout day. The
upper-body exercises involve all exercises for major
muscle groups of the upper body. The lower-body
exercises involve all exercises for the major muscle
groups of the lower body.
Like push–pull training, upper- and lower-body
training allows each workout to be done twice
per week for a total of four workouts per week
(see table 8.3). Most powerlifters who follow this
TABLE 8.3 Upper- and Lower-Body
Powerlifting Split
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PUSHING EXERCISES
% 1RM
Exercise
Sets
or reps
Bench press
4
90%
Dumbbell bench press
3
4-6
Barbell shoulder press
3
4-6
Upright row
3
6-8
Close-grip bench press
3
4-6
Dips
3
6-8
Standing crunch
3
8-10
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (TUESDAY):
SQUAT AND QUADRICEPS EXERCISES
Squat
5
90%
Leg press
3
4-6
Leg extension
3
6-8
Standing calf raise
4
8-10
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (THURSDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PULLING EXERCISES
Bench press
5
75%
Lat pulldown
3
6-8
Barbell row
3
6-8
Barbell curl
4
6-8
Russian twist
3
20
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 2 ( FRIDAY):
DEADLIFT AND HAMSTRING EXERCISES
Deadlift
5
90%
Romanian deadlift
3
6-8
Lying leg curl
3
6-8
Good morning
3
8-10
Seated calf raise
4
10-12
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
type of split use the two upper-body workouts to
emphasize bench press training. In addition, they
may use one workout to emphasize the pushing
assistance muscles (such as shoulders and triceps), while the other upper-body workout focuses
on the pulling assistance muscles (such as back
and biceps). For lower-body workouts, most powerlifters split the two workouts into a squat emphasis
and quadriceps assistance exercise workout and
a deadlift emphasis and hamstring assistance
exercise workout.
Max Effort–Dynamic Effort
Training Split
This training split is basically a modified version of the upper- and lower-body powerlifting
split. Each split trains the entire body in two
days, which allows for four workouts per week.
The major difference that separates max
effort–dynamic effort from upper- and lower-body
training split is the specific amount of resistance
used during the max effort–dynamic effort split.
For details of the max effort–dynamic effort
method, see chapter 9.
With the max effort–dynamic effort training split,
the first two workouts of the week are done using
the max effort system (see table 8.4). This calls
for a gradual buildup of weight on each successive
set of the bench press, squat, or deadlift until you
reach 90 to 95 percent of 1RM. Some lifters go
to 100 percent on some workouts.
During the last two workouts of the week, the
weight used on the bench press, squat, and deadlift is only 50 to 60 percent of the 1RM. Although
most people can lift this amount of weight for about
20 reps, these sets stop at 3 to 5 reps. The key
is in the rep speed at which they are performed.
During the dynamic effort workouts, these reps
are performed as fast as possible.
TABLE 8.4 Max Effort–Dynamic Effort Training Split
Exercise
Squat
Deadlift
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 1
(MONDAY): MAX EFFORT
Sets Reps
1
5
1
5
1
5
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
5
1
5
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
% 1RM
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
95%
100%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
95%
100%
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 1
(MONDAY): MAX EFFORT (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
% 1RM
Romanian deadlift
3
4-6
85%
Barbell good morning
3
6-8
80%
Exercise-ball roll-out
3
12-15 Body weight
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 1
(TUESDAY): MAX EFFORT
Exercise
Sets Reps
% 1RM
Bench press
1
5
10%
1
5
20%
1
5
30%
1
3
40%
1
3
50%
1
3
60%
1
1
70%
1
1
80%
1
1
90%
1
1
95%
1
1
100%
Dumbbell bench press
3
4-6
85%
Barbell shoulder press
3
4-6
85%
Close-grip bench press
3
4-6
85%
Barbell row
3
4-6
85%
Barbell curl
3
6-8
80%
Hanging knee raise
3
10 Body weight
Tactics for Maximizing Strength
177
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 2
(THURSDAY): DYNAMIC EFFORT
Exercise
Sets Reps
% 1RM
Squat
2
5
10%
1
5
20%
1
3
30%
1
3
40%
8
3
50%
Deadlift
2
5
10%
1
5
20%
1
3
30%
1
3
40%
8
3
50%
Romanian deadlift
3
8-10
75%
Barbell good morning
3
8-10
75%
Russian twist
3
15-20 Body weight
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 2
(FRIDAY): DYNAMIC EFFORT
Exercise
Sets Reps
% 1RM
Bench press
2
5
10%
1
5
20%
1
3
30%
1
3
40%
8
3
50%
Dumbbell bench press
3
8-10
75%
Barbell shoulder press
3
8-10
75%
Close-grip bench press
3
8-10
75%
Barbell row
3
8-10
75%
Barbell curl
3
8-10
75%
Decline crunch
3
12 Body weight
Squat–Bench Press–Deadlift
Training Split
TABLE 8.5 Squat–Bench Press–Deadlift
Training Split
Some weightlifters split their training into three
workouts per week: one squat-focused workout,
one bench press-focused workout, and one deadlift-focused workout. This way each major lift gets
an equal amount of training time focused on it.
Usually the squat workout is performed first in the
week to allow ample time for recovery before the
deadlift workout, which also uses the leg muscles
to a great extent. The squat workout is usually
accompanied by assistance exercises that train the
quadriceps, hamstrings, and sometimes the calf
muscles. The second workout (performed no sooner
than 48 hours after the squat workout) is typically
the bench press workout. This workout usually
involves assistance pressing exercises that target
the chest, shoulders, and triceps muscles. The third
workout (performed no sooner than 48 hours after
the bench press workout) is the deadlift workout. In
addition to the deadlift, this workout often includes
assistance pulling exercises that train the back
and biceps muscles. See table 8.5 for a sample
squat–bench press–deadlift training split.
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Squat
4
85%
Leg press
3
6-8
Leg extension
3
8-10
Standing calf raise
3
8-10
Cable woodchopper
3
20
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
4
85%
Incline dumbbell press
3
6-8
Barbell shoulder press
4
6-8
Close-grip bench press
4
6-8
Standing crunch
4
8-10
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
Deadlift
4
85%
Good morning
3
6-8
Lying leg curl
3
8-10
Barbell row
4
6-8
Barbell curl
4
6-8
178
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Changing Your Strength Split
The strength training splits covered in the previous section have little differences among them. All focus
on training the three major strength lifts; a secondary focus is on training the assistance exercises
for these three strength lifts. Because of this, changing the strength training split every few months
is one way to institute another form of variation in the training program. However, most competitive
powerlifters have one training split that they stick with year round. Therefore, if you find a certain
training split that works better for your schedule, you can potentially use it endlessly.
ESSENTIALS OF STRENGTH
PROGRAMS
The type of training split you decide to follow is
not as critical a factor for successful strength
gains as the proper choice of exercises, exercise
order, resistance, and volume. Regardless of the
split you employ for developing strength, there
are certain rules of success to follow. Follow
these general rules to ensure that your training is
optimal for strength gains. In addition, the three
major strength lifts are covered in detail. That’s
because you can’t properly increase your strength
on these lifts without being proficient in the proper
technique for each. Last but not least, the chapter
covers core training. You must have a strong core
to transfer strength to the limbs. Once you have
these fundamentals of strength training, you will
be ready to advance to the techniques for boosting
strength (chapter 9).
General Rules of Strength Training
Training for muscle mass uses exercises as a
means to an end. Training for maximal strength,
on the other hand, does not use exercises merely
as tools. Instead, training for strength is about
increasing performance on the exercises. For most
weightlifters, the exercises they train are the bench
press, squat, and deadlift. Therefore, the first and
most obvious rule is that you should include these
three exercises in your program. You should also
include assistance exercises to help you boost
strength on the bench press, squat, and deadlift.
These choices involve multijoint compound exercises, where appropriate.
Order of exercises is important as well—the
bench press, squat, and deadlift should each be
performed first in the workout at least once per
week. Following the major lift should be the assistance exercises. The second exercise should be a
compound exercise that targets the major muscle
group used in each of the three exercises. The
third exercise and any others that follow should
be those that target muscle groups that assist the
major strength exercise.
The amount of resistance used is of paramount
importance to your strength gains. For the three
major strength exercises, the resistance used is
typically expressed as a percent of the 1RM. This
is convenient because the 1RM for these lifts is
frequently tested by those who are interested in
increasing their maximal strength. For strength
gains, the majority of training time should be spent
using a load between 85 and 95 percent of the
1RM. Of course, cycling the training load is wise
for making continued gains in strength. In fact,
loads as light as 50 percent RM are often used
by weightlifters to increase power, which helps to
boost strength. The resistance for the assistance
exercises is usually expressed as a specific repetition maximum (RM). These will often correspond
with the percent RM. For example, if the squat
is being trained with 85 percent of the RM, the
leg press should be performed using a rep range
of about four to six. Regardless of the exercise,
muscle failure should be reached only on one set
per exercise at the maximum. Many powerlifters
rarely, if ever, train to muscle failure. However,
research from Australia suggests that training
to muscle failure on one set per exercise and no
more is better for strength gains than not training
to failure or training to failure two or more times
per exercise (Drinkwater et al. 2005).
Volume per workout is generally low when training for strength. For the major strength exercises,
typically as few as three to as many as eight sets
are done per exercise. For assistance exercises,
usually three or four sets are performed per exercise. For an entire workout, total volume can be as
low as 12 to as high as 30 sets or more, depending
on the split being used and the training phase.
179
Tactics for Maximizing Strength
When it comes to training rules, nowhere are
they more critical than when training for maximal strength. Research and years of experience
support a narrow spectrum of exercise choices,
exercise order, resistance, volume, and even rest
periods that are effective in the quest for strength.
Yet, as the saying goes, rules are meant to be
broken. As important as it is to follow rules for
strength training, breaking from the norm from time
to time can be an effective means of improving
strength. This is especially true during plateaus,
when standard training practices fail to work. The
training strategies in chapter 9 will challenge the
tried-and-true rules that most strength athletes
have adopted as standard training guidelines.
Knowing how and when to use them will make a
world of difference in the strength gains you can
expect from your training program.
Bench Press Training
To many people, strength is all about the bench
press. Rarely does a heavily muscled athlete field
the question “How much can you squat?” The
question everyone wants to know is “How much
can you bench-press?” Of course, masculinity is
often associated with strong and well-developed
upper-body musculature, and the bench press
is the marker for this strength. The bench press
develops the major muscles of the upper body—
chest, shoulders, triceps, and even the back to
some extent.
Another reason so many people associate
strength solely with the bench press may be the
fact that of the three major strength exercises,
the bench press is the easiest to perform. Almost
anyone can walk into a gym and bench-press with
relative ease and safety. Whatever the reason, the
bench press is the preeminent strength exercise.
When it comes to training strategies for boosting strength in the bench press, regardless of
the training split being used, exercise choice and
order are critical factors. Of course, strength in
the bench press cannot be optimally enhanced
without actually performing the bench press regularly. This is known as the specificity principle.
On bench press training days, you should perform
the bench press first while the muscle fibers are
fully recovered from any previous exercise. This
ensures that the muscles can handle the maximal
load they are capable of for the specific number
of reps prescribed for that workout.
After the bench press, you should do one other
chest-pressing assistance exercise, such as the
incline or decline barbell press or dumbbell press
(flat, incline, or decline). On occasion, you can do
chest isolation exercises instead. However, isolation exercises are rarely used unless the weightlifter is in the hypertrophy phase of training. This
is because the isolation exercises do not mimic
the pressing motion of the bench press. Chest
exercises are usually followed with one shoulder
exercise and one triceps exercise. These are preferentially compound exercises, such as shoulder
press or upright row for shoulders and dips or
close-grip bench press for triceps. On occasion
these can be isolation exercises. Depending on
the split used, one back and one biceps exercise
may conclude the bench press workout, or you
may train these on separate pull exercise days.
See table 8.6 for a sample bench press workout.
Sets performed on the bench press should typically fall in the range of three to five, not including
warm-up sets. All assistance exercises are usually
limited to three sets per exercise. The weight used
on the bench press should start off light (10 to 50
percent RM) and gradually work up to the heavy
sets in the range of 85 to 95 percent RM. This is
the range that most workouts are performed in,
TABLE 8.6 Big Bench Day
This workout is for a powerlifter who has a maximum
bench press of 495 pounds and is training with 90
percent of his or her maximum.
Exercise
Bench press
Incline bench
press
Barbell shoulder
press
Close-grip bench
press
Standing crunch
*Warm-up sets.
**Working sets.
Weight
Sets (pounds)
1
135
1
225
1
315
1
365
1
405
3
445
3
375
Reps
10*
8*
6*
5*
3*
3**
4-6**
Rest
1 min
1 min
2 min
2 min
3 min
3-4 min
3 min
3
255
4-6**
3 min
3
385
4-6**
3 min
4
110
8-10**
1 min
180
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Big Bench Tips
Use these tips to help you lift more on the bench press:
SETUP
Lie on a bench-press bench with your feet flat on the ground
wider than shoulder-width apart. This helps to stabilize your
body. Your knees should be bent at about a 90-degree angle.
Maintain a slight arch in your lower back throughout the
exercise and keep your shoulders and glutes pressed into
the bench. Keep your glute muscles tightly contracted during
the entire exercise.
GRIP
Take a grip that is slightly wider than shoulder width on the bar.
To determine the best grip for your arm length, make sure that
when the bar reaches your chest there is a 90-degree angle at
the shoulder and the elbow.
Be sure to wrap your thumb around the bar. Make sure you
squeeze the bar as hard as possible. This creates a solid
connection to the bar by allowing the force developed by the
chest, shoulder, and triceps muscles to be more effectively
transmitted to the bar.
a
LOWERING THE BAR
Lift the bar off the rack to the point where it is over your upper
chest. This is your starting position.
Squeeze your scapulae together while lowering the bar. This
stabilizes the shoulder girdle and will help you recruit the lats
to push the weight up.
Lower the bar slowly. This allows the stored energy from the
descent and the elastic properties of the muscles to produce
more force on the lift.
depending on the training phase. Weight may go as
high as 100 percent RM to as low as 50 percent
RM for some working sets during specific training
phases of the cycle. For the assistance exercises,
reps typically correspond with the percent RM
being used in that workout on the bench press.
So reps tend to fall mostly in the range of 2 to 10
reps for assistance exercises, depending on the
training phase.
Rest periods between sets should be longer
than when training for muscle size. The exact
time is not as critical as the fact that the body
is mostly recovered from the previous set. When
training for strength, fatigue is not as critical as
it is for building muscle size. Therefore, resting
anywhere from two to five minutes is common
b
practice. A detailed description of the proper exercise technique for the bench press exercise can
be found in the Big Bench Tips box and in chapter
14. Technique is a critical factor when training for
strength. The program you follow will not matter
much to your strength gains if you do not perfect
your technique in the bench press.
Squat Training
The squat is the exercise that defines lower-body
strength. Although it’s categorized as a leg exercise,
the squat technically functions as a whole-body
strength and mass builder. It has been estimated
that more than 200 muscles are involved in executing the squat. In addition, the surge in growth
Tactics for Maximizing Strength
181
ARMS
Your upper arms should form a 45- to 60-degree angle with your torso as you lower and press the
weight back up.
TOUCHDOWN
When the bar reaches your chest, it should touch across the nipples, not much lower.
PRESSING THE BAR
Before you push the weight back up, dig your shoulders into the bench and keep your butt on the
bench. This stabilizes your shoulder capsule and keeps the bar moving upward in a straight line.
You need to explode the weight off your chest as quickly and powerfully as possible. Think about
blasting the bar off your chest as if it weighed just 10 pounds, even though, in reality, the bar will move
quite slowly. The neural drive that results from attempting to move the bar as quickly as possible will
recruit more high-threshold muscle fibers.
Press the bar straight up or back slightly toward your head. As you press the bar up, try to rip the
bar apart by pulling your arms outward without changing your grip on the bar.
LEGS
Although the bench press is an upper-body exercise, don’t forget to use your legs. When you press
the weight with your arms, you should also drive the weight with your legs to transfer more force to
your upper body.
BREATHING
Take a big breath in and hold it as you lower the weight and start it on its return. This causes an
increase in pressure in your chest and abdominal cavity, which better supports your body and allows
your muscles to produce more force. It also expands the chest, shortening the distance the bar has
to travel.
Exhale after passing the most difficult stage of the lift or after you reach the top position.
hormone and testosterone that accompanies the
squat as compared to other exercises means it
enhances the strength and growth of all muscles.
Many great bench pressers espouse the importance of doing squats, if for nothing more than
enhancing bench press strength.
To increase squat strength, the first critical
component of any training program is the exercise
choices and order. Simply stated, you have to actually squat to increase squat strength. On workouts
that emphasize squat training, the squat should be
the first exercise performed. When you’re training
for strength, the amount of weight you use is a
critical factor for strength gains. Therefore, you
should do the squat first, when the muscles are
not fatigued and are at their strongest.
You should follow the squat with one assistance
squat or leg press exercise (such as the leg press
or squat machine) and occasionally an isolation
exercise for quadriceps (such as the leg extension). In addition, many weightlifters also perform
one or two calf exercises at the end of their squat
workouts. This is sensible, since the calf muscles
are involved during the squat.
Total sets performed for squats during squat
workouts should be about three to five, not including warm-up sets. All assistance exercises are usually limited to three sets per exercise. Weight for
the squat exercise should progressively increase
from light warm-up sets with weight around 10 to
50 percent RM to heavy working sets of 85 to 95
percent RM. This is the range that most squat
182
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
workouts are performed in, depending on the
training phase the lifter is in. On the upper end,
the weight used for training may go as high as
100 percent RM for squats. On the low end, the
weight used may be reduced to 30 percent RM
or less for working sets, such as during training
phases that increase power. For the assistance
exercises, reps typically correspond with the
percent RM used in that workout on the bench
press. So reps tend to fall mostly in the range of
2 to 10 reps for assistance exercises, depending
on the training phase. Rest periods between sets
usually last about two to five minutes. See table
8.7 for a sample squat training workout. A detailed
description of the proper exercise technique during
the squat is covered in chapter 21. Proper form is
essential for maximal strength on the squat; the
Squatter’s Rights box presents tips for increasing
squat strength.
TABLE 8.7 Squat Day
This squat workout is for a powerlifter who has a
maximum squat of 565 pounds and is training with
90 percent of his or her maximum (510 pounds).
Weight
Sets (pounds) Reps
1
135
10*
1
225
10*
1
315
8*
1
365
8*
1
405
6*
1
455
4*
3
510
3**
3
720
4-6**
3
210
4-6**
3
330
8-10**
Exercise
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Standing calf
raise
*Warm-up sets.
**Working sets.
Squatters’ Rights
Closely follow these tips for safe execution of the squat:
SETUP
Position a bar on a squat rack or power rack to about mid-chest
height.
Hold the bar with a wide overhand grip and duck under it so that
your neck is directly in the middle of the bar. Push your back up
into the bar so that the bar is no more than two inches below the
top of your shoulders.
Stand up with the bar on your back to unrack it and step back
from the rack.
GRIP
Hold the bar with an overhand grip and wrap your thumbs around
the bar. Bring your hands in as close to your shoulders as possible.
Use your hands to press the bar against your back and pull your
shoulder blades together and your elbows forward to support the bar.
a
HEAD
Keep your head aligned with your spine by keeping it up and looking
straight ahead or slightly up.
TORSO
Maintain the arch in your lower back and pull your shoulders back
while pushing your chest up and out.
Isometrically contract your spinal erector muscles and abdominals to keep your core tight.
b
Rest
1 min
1 min
2 min
2 min
3 min
3 min
4 min
3 min
2 min
1 min
Tactics for Maximizing Strength
Deadlift Training
The deadlift is considered the best indicator of
overall body strength. Because you must hold the
bar in the hands while driving it upward from the
floor with the legs, it truly involves a majority of
the body’s musculature. It is called the deadlift
because the weight is lifted from the floor. This
eliminates the eccentric motion that precedes
most exercises such as the squat and bench
press. The eccentric motion aids the force that
is produced by the muscles during the concentric
phase of a lift. Therefore, the deadlift is a much
more difficult lift than the squat.
As with the squat and bench press, to increase
your strength on the deadlift, you must train the
deadlift. This means that you must devote at
least one workout per week to specific deadlift
training. You should perform the deadlift first
in the workout when the muscles are strongest
and not fatigued. Many powerlifters follow the
183
deadlift exercise with assistance hamstring
exercises such as the Romanian deadlift or leg
curl. Depending on the training split used, many
powerlifters also train back and sometimes
biceps on deadlift day. This strategy makes
sense, since these muscle groups are used
during the deadlift.
Usually about three to five sets, not including
warm-up sets, are performed for the deadlift.
All assistance exercises, such as the leg curl,
are usually limited to three sets per exercise.
As with the other two strength exercises, the
weight on the deadlift should progressively
increase from very light warm-up sets (weight
around 10 to 50 percent RM) to heavy working
sets (ranging from 85 to 95 percent RM). This
is the range that most lifters use in training the
deadlift. However, the weight used during some
workouts may go as high as 100 percent RM or
as low as 50 percent RM for working sets. For
assistance exercises, reps typically correspond
STANCE
Place your feet shoulder-width apart or wider—this depends on your preference. Individual biomechanics come into play, and you must find the foot position that is most comfortable for you.
If your feet are too close together, it makes it difficult for the hamstrings and glutes to properly
assist the quads. If your feet are too wide apart, the opposite will occur and your quads will not
be able to assist. If you have long legs, going much wider than shoulder width tends to be more
comfortable and more biomechanically advantageous. If you are of average height and have legs
that are proportional to the length of your upper body, you will likely be comfortable with your feet
just slightly wider than shoulder width. If you have short legs, a shoulder-width stance will probably
be most comfortable.
Maintain a slight bend in your knees and isometrically contract your quads, hamstrings, and glutes
before descending.
DESCENT
To descend, stick your glutes out and descend as if you were to sit down on a chair until your thighs
are parallel to the floor or lower.
Keep your hips under the bar as much as possible to avoid excessive forward lean of your torso.
Be sure that your heels do not come off the floor.
ASCENT
Transition from the descent to the ascent by driving forcefully upward with the legs. Concentrate on
moving your hips first before your knees. As you push up, force your knees out hard and push out on
the sides of your shoes while you squat. This helps to keep the tension in your hips for greater strength.
As you ascend, thrust the head back. Don’t lift your chin up; just push your head back to help
contract your traps.
BREATHING
Take a big breath in and hold it as you descend into the squat.
Exhale as you pass the most difficult stage of the squat.
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Life of the Deadlift
Closely follow these tips to execute the deadlift safely and effectively.
Two styles of deadlift—the regular-stance deadlift and the sumo-stance
deadlift—are acceptable in competition. The regular-stance version
has the feet a little closer than shoulder-width apart, whereas the
sumo-stance deadlift has the feet spaced apart much wider than shoulder-width. There is no consensus that has established the clear benefits
of one form over the other. Therefore, the choice is pure preference
of the individual. Both styles are covered in the following description.
SETUP
Set up a barbell on the floor with the desired amount of weight.
Approach the loaded barbell until your shins are touching the bar.
LEGS
Your stance should be about as wide as your own shoulders or narrower
for the regular-stance deadlift. For the sumo-stance deadlift, the feet
should be much farther apart than shoulder width.
For the regular-stance deadlift, toes should point straight forward or
slightly out (25 degrees at most). For the sumo-stance deadlift, toes
should point out to about 30 to 40 degrees.
Squat down to a position that is similar to the bottom position of
the squat. However, in the regular-stance deadlift the thighs will be
slightly higher than parallel to the floor. With the sumo-stance deadlift, the thighs will be about parallel to the floor. Most of your weight
should be on the heels of the feet to facilitate maximal contribution
of the glutes and hamstrings.
a
GRIP
Regardless of the style used, your grip should be a staggered grip.
That means one hand should be an underhand grip and the other
hand should be an overhand grip. This helps to prevent the bar from
slipping out of the hands.
with the percent RM being used in that workout
on the deadlift. So reps tend to fall mostly in
the range of 2 to 10 for assistance exercises,
depending on the training phase. Rest periods
between sets usually last about two to five
minutes. See table 8.8 for a sample deadlift
training workout. A detailed description of the
proper exercise technique during the deadlift is
covered in chapter 25. Proper form is essential
for developing maximal strength in the deadlift.
The Life of the Deadlift box presents tips that
will ensure you are performing the deadlift most
effectively for maximal strength.
b
TABLE 8.8 Day of the Deadlift
This deadlift workout is for a powerlifter who has a
maximum deadlift of 505 pounds and is training with
90 percent of his or her max.
Exercise
Deadlift
Romanian
deadlift
Leg curl
*Warm-up sets.
**Working sets.
Weight
Sets (pounds)
1
135
1
225
1
315
1
365
1
405
1
455
3
505
3
315
3
180
Reps
10*
10*
8*
8*
6*
4*
3**
4-6**
Rest
1 min
1 min
2 min
2 min
3 min
3 min
4 min
3 min
4-6**
2 min
Tactics for Maximizing Strength
185
For the regular-stance deadlift, the arms will hang straight down and just outside of your thighs. For the
sumo-stance deadlift, the arms hang straight down on the insides of the thighs.
TORSO
For the regular-stance deadlift, the upper body should lean slightly forward at about a 45-degree angle to
the floor.
For the sumo-stance deadlift, the upper body is slightly more upright than in the regular-stance deadlift
(about a 50- to 60-degree angle to the floor).
Regardless of the style used, the shoulder blades should be pulled together tightly throughout the entire
exercise.
Isometrically contract your low-back muscles to maintain the natural arch in your lower back. Keep your
abs tightly contracted throughout the lift.
HEAD
The head should remain in a straight line with the back. To do this, pick a point on the floor about five to
six feet ahead of you and focus on that point.
ASCENT
As you stand up with the weight, imagine pushing the floor away from you with your feet.
Your hips and shoulders should ascend together. During the ascent, the bar will travel as close to the
shins and legs as possible
LOCKOUT
You have reached the finish point when you have full extension of the knees, hips, and back. The lockout
position should position the front part of your shoulders behind the front part of your hips.
BREATHING
Take a big breath in and hold it as you prepare to ascend.
Exhale as you pass the most difficult stage of the deadlift. Inhale again at the top and hold your breath
before the return.
DESCENT
Carefully return the bar to the floor by reversing the techniques used in lifting the weight up.
Abdominal and Low-Back Training
Powerlifters and other strength athletes do
train their abs. However, unlike the bodybuilder
who is interested in developing the musculature of the abdominals to chisel a well-defined
six-pack, the strength athlete is interested in
developing the strength of the abdominal musculature. The same can be said about the low
back. Both the superficial and deep muscles of
the abdominals and low back make up the core
musculature of the body. These muscles support
the shoulders, spine, and hips during all movements. Building the strength of these muscles not
only helps to prevent back injuries but can help to
increase strength due to the fact that the body’s
foundation is stronger. For a complete listing and
exercise description of the abdominal and core
exercises, see chapter 24. For exercises of the
low back, see chapter 16.
You should do core, abdominal, and low-back
exercises toward the end of workouts to prevent
fatiguing of the core musculature before doing
the major strength exercises with heavy weights.
Many powerlifters do one or two core, abdominal,
and low-back exercises at the end of two to four
workouts per week. Some even have a distinct
core training day.
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Core exercises, if included in a workout, are
usually trained first in the series with abdominal
and low-back exercises. The number of reps varies
depending on the type of exercise. For core and lowback exercises, higher reps in the range of 20 to
30 are acceptable. However, many powerlifters train
the good morning exercise with extremely heavy
weight and lower reps in the range of 6 to 12. For ab
exercises, many powerlifters also prefer to train with
heavier weight and lower reps (6 to 10) to increase
abdominal muscle strength. See table 8.9 for a
sample core program that can be performed twice
per week at the end of typical strength workouts,
with at least 48 hours of rest between workouts. It
includes one core exercise, one low-back exercise,
and one abdominal exercise per workout.
TABLE 8.9 Getting to the Core
WORKOUT 1
Exercise
Sets
Dumbbell woodchopper
3
Lying back extension
3
Standing crunch
3
WORKOUT 2
Russian twist
3
Barbell good morning
3
Hanging leg raise
3
Reps
20
25
8-10
Rest
1 min
1 min
1 min
25
8-10
10-12
1 min
2 min
1 min
CHAPTER 9
Programs for Maximizing
Strength
Training to maximize strength tends to be a much
simpler pursuit than training to maximize muscle
mass. The basic workout samples provided with
the training splits discussed in chapter 8 are from
tried-and-true training programs that work exceptionally well when the resistance used and reps
performed are cycled. However, as the saying goes,
everything works, but nothing works forever. And
so, when a standard program fails to deliver the
strength gains you expect, it’s time to try something out of the ordinary.
This chapter covers strength training methods
that are effective for maximizing muscle strength.
As in chapter 6, the techniques are categorized by
the type of acute variable of training that is being
manipulated in each workout. Also as in chapter
6, each technique is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 for
four critical areas:
1. Time—the amount of time that the specific workout typically takes to complete.
This helps you immediately determine if
this training technique will fit your training schedule. The higher the number, the
longer the workouts for that specific technique will take to complete.
2. Length—the amount of time required to
follow the program consistently for appreciable results to be noticed. This helps you
determine if you have the patience required
for a certain program to demonstrate adequate results in strength. The higher the
number, the longer this technique must be
followed for results to be realized.
3. Difficulty—the amount of weightlifting
experience required to use the program
effectively. This helps you decide if you
have enough training experience to take on
specific strength training techniques. The
higher the number, the more training experience you should have before attempting
that particular technique.
4. Results—how effective the program seems
to be for strength gains in most people.
This helps you estimate how much strength
you can expect to gain with each program.
The higher the number, the greater the
gains in strength you can expect from a
particular program.
Each strength training method provides a
sample table to show how this particular technique can be used. Some of these tables provide
full training programs complete with sample
workouts to be followed over several weeks.
Others provide only brief details on cycling weight
throughout the program. For these you are encouraged to use a basic training program, as shown
in chapter 8, but incorporate the weight, rep,
set, or rest changes as outlined in the sample
program table. Try the advanced strength training programs discussed in chapter 9 by cycling
them into your training program along with the
basic programs discussed in chapter 8. These
advanced programs are great to turn to when
your strength gains have reached a plateau. The
unorthodox nature of many of these programs
will offer a unique stimulus to the muscles, which
will encourage strength gains. In the programs,
weights are given in pounds; please see appendix
for metric conversions.
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PROGRAMS THAT
MANIPULATE SETS
When it comes to quantifying the strength training
workout, the set is the unit that all lifters understand. It signifies how much work you are actually
doing. Therefore, manipulating the work in a workout is a logical way to alter workouts in an effort to
boost strength. This section covers three strength
training techniques that alter the sets during
a workout. The first method incorporates sets
that are completed only when the muscle is too
exhausted to complete another rep. The second
method involves using a set system that is based
on time. The third method decreases the number
of sets it takes to complete a set number of reps.
Failure Training
As defined in chapter 1, muscle failure is the point
during an exercise at which the muscles have fully
fatigued and can no longer complete an additional
rep of that exercise using strict form. While bodybuilders tend to complete all their sets to failure,
powerlifters rarely, if ever, train to muscle failure.
In fact, the programs in chapter 8 are not meant
to be used with muscle failure. Each set is done
for a certain number of reps with a certain amount
of weight. When the number of reps prescribed for
that set are completed, the set is over. In most
cases, you will feel as though you could have completed at least one more rep. This is how most
powerlifters train to increase muscle strength.
Many believe that training to muscle failure can
hinder strength gains. However, research from
Australia suggests that training to muscle failure
may enhance strength gains. The key appears to
be the number of sets performed to failure—and
that number appears to be one.
Australian researchers discovered that when
trained lifters completed one set to failure of the
four sets they trained with on the bench press for
eight weeks, they had double the strength gains
of lifters who did not complete any of the four sets
to failure. And in a follow-up study, they discovered
that doing more than one set to failure on the
bench press for eight weeks offered no additional
increase in strength gains. In fact, when comparing
the two studies, the strength gains reported in
the study using multiple sets to failure were less
impressive than the strength gains reported in the
study using just one set to failure. The reason may
be that performing only one set to failure allows
for enough stimulus to be delivered to the muscle
fibers without fatiguing the muscle too much, which
can limit muscle strength during the workout when
training with too many sets to failure.
Taking advantage of this knowledge is rather
simple. Choose any basic strength training program offered in chapter 8 and be sure to perform
the last set, and only the last set, of every exercise
(except the abdominals) to muscle failure. See
table 9.1 for a sample training program that takes
the last set of each exercise to failure. One caveat
about training to failure is safety. For obvious
reasons, it is not a method to be used by those
who train alone, except when done with exercises
that use machines or where it is easy to return
the weight to a safe location—such as the deadlift, dumbbell bench press, Smith machine squat,
or barbell curl. Under no circumstances should
anyone training alone perform any barbell pressing
exercises, barbell squat, leg press, or hack squat
to failure or close to failure. These exercises all
require the help of an adequate spotter to ensure
that the last rep is done accurately and safely.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
Programs for Maximizing Strength
189
TABLE 9.1 Failing for Strength
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Exercise
Sets Reps
Squat
1
10 with 50% RM
1
6 with 60% RM
1
5 with 75% RM
3
5 with 85% RM
1
To failure with 85% RM
Leg press
2
6
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Leg extension
2
8
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Standing calf
2
8
raise
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Cable
3
20
woodchopper
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
1
10 with 50% RM
1
6 with 60% RM
1
5 with 75% RM
3
5 with 85% RM
1
To failure with 85% RM
Incline dumbbell
2
6
press
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY):
BENCH PRESS DAY (continued)
Exercise
Sets Reps
Barbell shoulder
2
6
press
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Close-grip bench
2
6
press
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Standing crunch
4
8-10
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
Deadlift
1
10 with 50% RM
1
6 with 60% RM
1
5 with 75% RM
3
5 with 85% RM
1
To failure with 85% RM
Good morning
2
6
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Lying leg curl
2
8
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Barbell row
2
6
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Barbell curl
2
6
1
To failure with same
weight as sets 1 and 2
Time Under Tension
Time under tension (TUT) refers to a different way
to define a set. Instead of a set being defined
by the number of reps performed, a TUT set is
defined by the length of time it takes to complete
the set. The time it takes to complete the set is
referred to as the time the muscle is under tension.
Tension refers to the resistance from the weight
being used. The amount of time spent doing each
set for an exercise can be a critical component to
increasing strength. Consider a set of five reps on
the bench press. If the five reps each took about
2 seconds to lower the weight and another 2 seconds to press the weight back up, that’s 4 seconds
per rep. Five reps at this pace would take a total
of about 20 seconds to complete the set. In other
words, the TUT for that set would be 20 seconds. If
the time to complete each of those five reps were
increased to 6 seconds, the TUT of that set would
increase to 30 seconds. Although the number of
reps and the amount of weight are the same on
each of these sets, the first set with a TUT of 20
seconds is actually better for increasing strength.
Just as it is well established that muscle
strength is best developed by training with a rep
range of 1 to 6 per set, and muscle growth is
best attained with a rep range of about 8 to 12,
some strength training experts believe that the
total time a set takes to complete may be just
as important as the number of reps completed
per set. Although no controlled research has yet
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
been done to determine the best TUT ranges for
developing strength or muscle mass, anecdotal
evidence from strength trainers suggests that
the best TUT range for strength is about 4 to 20
seconds per set and about 40 to 60 seconds per
set for muscle growth. Table 9.2 shows you the
optimal rep range and TUT for the desired muscle
adaptation. The last column lists the time per rep
range to complete the set within the optimal TUT.
Regardless of the importance of TUT for muscle
adaptations, no one has suggested that TUT
ranges should replace optimal rep ranges. Instead,
combining both TUT and optimal rep ranges within
a set may be a more precise way to prescribe how
much work should be placed on a muscle to induce
the desired adaptations. Using the bench press as
an example, if five reps (which is within the optimal
rep range for strength gains) were performed at
4 seconds per rep, the entire set would take 20
seconds to complete. That set would meet both
the requirements for the optimal rep range and
optimal TUT range to stress a muscle for maximizing strength gains. However, training for maximal
strength using TUT allows you to increase the rep
range a bit beyond the optimal rep range for maximal strength, as long as the TUT range per set
meets the requirements for maximal strength. This
allows for more variety in the training program while
still staying on target for inducing strength gains.
To train for maximal strength using TUT, keep
your rep range at one to eight reps per set and the
TUT range at 4 to 20 seconds per set. Both the rep
range and TUT range should change frequently, as
any good periodized program should. See table 9.3
for a sample TUT strength training program that
frequently cycles reps and TUT. Choose a workout
program from the training split section in chapter
8 and change the number of reps, rep speed, and
TUT weekly as prescribed in the table. The best way
to use the TUT method is to train with a stopwatch
to monitor the TUT for each set.
TABLE 9.2 Rep Time
TABLE 9.3 Muscle Countdown
Muscle
adaptation
Strength and
power
Muscle
growth
Optimal
rep range
1-6
6-15
Optimal
TUT
4-20
seconds
Seconds
per rep
1 rep: 4-20
2 reps: 2-10
3 reps: 2-6
4 reps: 1-5
5 reps: 1-4
6 reps: 1-3
7 reps: 1-2
8 reps: 1-2
40-60 6 reps: 7-10
seconds 7 reps: 6-8
8 reps: 5-7
9 reps: 5-6
10 reps: 4-6
11 reps: 4-5
12 reps: 4-5
13 reps: 4
14 reps: 3-4
15 reps: 3-4
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
1
1
1
Reps
per set
5
3
8
6
2
4
5
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
Speed per rep
(seconds)
4
4
2
3
10
5
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TUT for set
(seconds)
20
12
16
18
20
20
15
8
191
Programs for Maximizing Strength
Diminishing-Set Method
The goal of the diminishing-set method is to
complete 70 reps of an exercise in four sets. To
start, you choose a weight at which you can perform about 20 reps of the exercise of choice. The
first time you go through this, it will probably take
you about six to eight sets, with two-minute rest
periods between sets, to complete 70 repetitions.
Your goal is to eventually get the 70 total repetitions done in four sets or fewer. The benefit of this
method is that it encourages strength changes and
muscle growth by altering the biochemical pathways in the muscle fibers. Over time, the muscles
are able to perform more reps per set because
they are better at generating energy for muscle
contractions. In addition, they are able to recover
more fully between sets because of more efficient
biochemical pathways. This method is great for
developing endurance strength and therefore is
best to use during periods in your strength training
cycle when reps are on the high end. See table
9.4 for a sample diminishing-set workout for the
bench press. A great way to use this method is to
do this for two exercises per muscle group using
this method for both exercises. For example, follow
up the bench press workout with a diminishing-set
protocol for one other chest exercise, such as the
incline dumbbell bench press.
TABLE 9.4 Diminish for Strength
WEEK 1
Set
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Weight
(pounds)
275
275
275
275
275
275
275
1
2
3
4
5
6
275
275
275
275
275
275
1
2
3
4
5
275
275
275
275
275
1
2
3
4
5
275
275
275
275
275
1
2
3
4
275
275
275
275
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
*To failure.
**Stop at repetition 70.
Reps
20*
16*
12*
9*
6*
5*
2**
WEEK 2
22*
17*
13*
10*
7*
3**
WEEK 3
23*
18*
14*
10*
5**
WEEK 4
24*
19*
15*
10*
2**
WEEK 5
24*
20*
16*
10*
Rest
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
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PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATE
REPETITIONS
Maximal strength is all about the single repetition. How strong a person is usually is measured
by the amount of weight he or she can lift for
one rep. However, it’s rare to train for strength by
doing single reps. Instead, a variety of rep ranges
are used to benefit the one-rep max. This section
covers strength training programs that manipulate
the repetitions that are performed during each set.
This includes programs that alter the number of
reps performed per set (such as the 6 by 6 by 6
system, 5 by 10 training, 16-week drop, 5–3–2
method, and higher-strength program) as well as
programs that manipulate the way each repetition
is performed (such as static strength training,
stronger by the inch program, ballistic training, and
negative-rep training).
6 by 6 by 6 System
Similar to the other numeral-driven programs, this
one involves simply picking a weight that will allow
you to perform six sets of six repetitions on an
exercise. The ideal weight will take you to failure
only on the last set. Because of the higher volume
and intensity involved, muscle groups should not
be trained more than twice per week. The benefit
of using this rep range is that it builds both a good
deal of strength and muscle mass. The goal is to
increase the weight used on each exercise by the
end of the six-week program. Increase the weight
when you can do more than six reps on the sixth
set. See table 9.5 for a sample six-week 6 by 6
by 6 workout program that follows an upper- and
lower-body training split.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.5 6 by 6 by 6 Strength
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PUSHING EXERCISES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
6
6
Dumbbell bench press
6
6
Barbell shoulder press
6
6
Upright row
6
6
Close-grip bench press
6
6
Dip
6
6
Standing crunch
6
8-10
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (TUESDAY):
SQUAT AND QUADRICEPS EXERCISES
Squat
6
6
Leg press
6
6
Leg extension
6
6
Standing calf raise
6
8-10
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (THURSDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PULLING EXERCISES
Bench press
6
6
Lat pulldown
6
6
Barbell row
6
6
Barbell curl
6
6
Russian twist
6
20
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (FRIDAY):
DEADLIFT AND HAMSTRING EXERCISES
Deadlift
6
6
Romanian deadlift
6
6
Lying leg curl
6
6
Good morning
6
6
Seated calf raise
6
10-12
193
Programs for Maximizing Strength
5 by 10 Training
The 5 by 10 training program uses two distinct
rep ranges to maximize both strength and muscle-mass gains. The 5 portion of the program
comes from the 5 by 5 training method, or five sets
of five reps with two-minute rest periods between
sets. It is a method for developing strength that
dates to the 1950s. The goal of the 5 by 5 workout
is to do five sets of five reps with a given weight. On
your first workout you should pick a heavy weight
that allows you to get only five reps on the first
set and possibly five on your second. This should
be about 85 percent RM for most exercises. If
you can get five reps on the third set, the weight
you chose was too light; you’ll need to add 5 to
10 pounds depending on the exercise. If, on the
other hand, you can’t get at least 14 total reps over
the five sets, the weight you chose was too heavy;
you’ll need to drop about 5 to 10 pounds. When
you find the right weight for the exercise, stay with
that weight over the course of this workout until
you can do all five sets for five reps. Then you’ll
start over and increase the weight again to one
that allows you to get only five reps on the first set.
Do this on two exercises for each muscle group
(for example, bench press and incline dumbbell
bench press, squat and leg press, and deadlift
and Romanian deadlift). For all other exercises
that follow in that workout, do three sets of five
to seven reps (except for calf and ab exercises,
which can be done at higher reps).
The 10 portion of the 5 by 10 program comes
from the 10 by 10 program used in this workout
scheme. The goal is to perform 10 sets of 10 reps
with a given weight. The reason this is included
in a strength program is to stimulate the muscle
fibers with a different stimulus in each workout.
The schemes of the 5 by 5 and the 10 by 10 are
similar, but different weights, reps, and total sets
are used for each. This cycling of weight, reps,
and sets prevents the muscle fibers from stagnating in the program, and therefore it enhances
muscle adaptation.
For the 10 by 10 training, do 10 sets of 10 reps
with just one exercise per workout and follow it with
three sets of 8 to 10 reps on all the subsequent
assistance exercises for that workout (except
for calf and ab exercises, which can be done at
higher reps). For the 10 by 10 training, choose a
weight that you can normally get for about 12 to
15 reps. This should be about 65 to 70 percent
RM for most exercises. The first few sets will feel
very light. This will serve as a thorough warm-up.
Perform these early sets with explosive power on
each rep to recruit more of the fast-twitch muscle
fibers that are capable of greater gains in strength
and power. As the sets continue, the fatigue will
start to set in and the number of reps will fall
drastically. As with the 5 by 5 program, once you
can complete 10 sets of 10 reps, you increase the
weight again and start over.
Because you will reach failure several times on
each workout, you should train each muscle group
only once per week, such as with the squat–bench
press–deadlift training split. This split is used in
the sample 5 by 10 program outline in table 9.6.
Simply follow this split and alternate the weight,
reps, and sets every other week. You’ll likely reach
the 5 by 5 goal first. Increase the weight again and
continue progressing until you reach the 10 by 10
goal or eight weeks have passed. Then switch over
to a more basic training scheme.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 9.6 5 by 10 Strength
5 ! 5 WEEKS
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Squat
5
5
Leg press
5
5
Leg extension
3
5-7
Standing calf raise
3
8-10
Russian twist
3
10-15
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
5
5
Dumbbell bench press
5
5
Barbell shoulder press
3
5-7
Close-grip bench press
3
5-7
Cable crunch
3
10-12
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
Deadlift
5
5
Romanian deadlift
5
5
Lying leg curl
3
5-7
Barbell row
3
5-7
Barbell curl
3
5-7
Hanging leg raise
3
12-15
10 ! 10 WEEKS
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Squat
10
10
Leg press
3
8-10
Lunge
3
8-10
Seated calf raise
3
12-15
Cable woodchopper
3
15-20
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
10
10
Dumbbell bench press
3
8-10
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
8-10
Triceps dip
3
8-10
Reverse crunch
3
10-12
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
Deadlift
10
10
Romanian deadlift
3
8-10
Seated leg curl
3
8-10
Pulldown
3
8-10
Dumbbell curl
3
8-10
Weighted crunch
3
8-10
16-Week Drop
This program is a stepwise progression from lighter
weight and higher reps to heavy weight and low
reps over a 16-week period. The 16-week drop
is a great program for beginner and intermediate
weightlifters who are interested in peaking maximal
strength. Because it starts with lighter weight and
higher reps and slowly increases the weight while
decreasing the reps over the 16 weeks, it allows
the beginner enough time to work with higher
reps and lower intensities before jumping into the
heavy-weight and low-rep training that is required
to boost maximal strength. It works well with any
training split, including a whole-body strength
training split. This program starts with sets of 12
reps with a weight that is about 70 percent RM
for three weeks. Then the reps drop to 10 per set
with a weight increase to about 75 percent RM
for the next three weeks. Next the weight bumps
up to 80 percent RM and the reps drop to 8 per
set for the next three weeks. Following that, the
weight increases again to 85 percent RM and reps
drop to five per set for the next three weeks. This
is followed by a bump in weight to 90 percent RM
and a corresponding drop in reps to four per set
for three more weeks. And finally, the last week
is associated with an increase in weight to 95
percent RM as reps drop down to two per set.
One-rep max testing on all three exercises can be
done after this final week of training. See table
9.7 for a sample 16-week drop program.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.7 Sweet 16
WEEKS 1-3
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Squat
70%
5
12
Leg press
70%
3
12
Incline bench press
70%
3
12
Dumbbell shoulder press
70%
3
12
Barbell row
70%
3
12
Stiff-leg deadlift
70%
3
12
Close-grip bench press
70%
3
12
Dumbbell curls
70%
3
12
Hanging leg raise
3
12-15
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Bench press
70%
5
12
Dumbbell bench press
70%
3
12
Barbell hack squat
70%
3
12
Barbell shoulder press
70%
3
12
Deadlift
70%
3
12
Dumbbell row
70%
3
12
Triceps dip
70%
3
12
Barbell curl
70%
3
12
Cable woodchopper
3
20
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Deadlift
70%
5
12
One-arm dumbbell deadlift
70%
3
12
Bench press
70%
3
12
Upright row
70%
3
12
Lat pulldown
70%
3
12
Lying triceps extension
70%
3
12
Preacher curl
70%
3
12
Back extension
3
15-20
WEEKS 4-6
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Squat
75%
5
10
Leg press
75%
3
10
Incline dumbbell press
75%
3
10
Dumbbell shoulder press
75%
3
10
T-bar row
75%
3
10
Romanian deadlift
75%
3
10
Close-grip bench press
75%
3
10
Dumbbell curl
75%
3
10
Reverse crunch
3
12-15
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Bench press
75%
5
10
Incline bench press
75%
3
10
Lunge
75%
3
10
Barbell shoulder press
75%
3
10
Deadlift
75%
3
10
Dumbbell row
75%
3
10
Triceps dip
75%
3
10
Barbell curl
75%
3
10
Dumbbell woodchopper
3
15
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Deadlift
75%
5
10
Good morning
75%
3
10
Bench press
75%
3
10
Upright row
75%
3
10
Lat pulldown
75%
3
10
Triceps pressdown
75%
3
10
Preacher curl
75%
3
10
Back extension
3
15
WEEKS 7-9
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Squat
80%
5
8
Leg press
80%
3
8
Incline bench press
80%
3
8
Dumbbell shoulder press
80%
3
8
Barbell row
80%
3
8
Stiff-leg deadlift
80%
3
8
Close-grip bench press
80%
3
8
Dumbbell curls
80%
3
8
Hanging leg raise
3
12-15
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Bench press
80%
5
8
Dumbbell bench press
80%
3
8
Barbell hack squat
80%
3
8
Barbell shoulder press
80%
3
8
Deadlift
80%
3
8
Dumbbell row
80%
3
8
Triceps dip
80%
3
8
Barbell curl
80%
3
8
Cable woodchopper
3
12
> continued
195
TABLE 9.7 Sweet 16 (continued)
WEEKS 7-9 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Deadlift
80%
5
8
One-arm dumbbell deadlift
80%
3
8
Bench press
80%
3
8
Upright row
80%
3
8
Lat pulldown
80%
3
8
Lying triceps extension
80%
3
8
Preacher curl
80%
3
8
Back extension
3
12-15
WEEKS 10-12
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Squat
85%
5
5
Leg press
85%
3
5
Incline dumbbell press
85%
3
5
Dumbbell shoulder press
85%
3
5
T-bar row
85%
3
5
Romanian deadlift
85%
3
5
Close-grip bench press
85%
3
5
Dumbbell curl
85%
3
5
Reverse crunch
3
12-15
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Bench press
85%
5
5
Incline bench press
85%
3
5
Lunge
85%
3
5
Barbell shoulder press
85%
3
5
Deadlift
85%
3
5
Dumbbell row
85%
3
5
Triceps dip
85%
3
5
Barbell curl
85%
3
5
Dumbbell woodchopper
3
15
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Deadlift
85%
5
5
Good morning
85%
3
5
Bench press
85%
3
5
Upright row
85%
3
5
Lat pulldown
85%
3
5
Triceps pressdown
85%
3
5
Preacher curl
85%
3
5
Back extension
3
15
196
WEEKS 13-15
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Squat
90%
5
4
Leg press
90%
3
4
Incline bench press
90%
3
4
Dumbbell shoulder press
90%
3
4
Barbell row
90%
3
4
Stiff-leg deadlift
90%
3
4
Close-grip bench press
90%
3
4
Dumbbell curl
90%
3
4
Hanging leg raise
3
10
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Bench press
90%
5
4
Dumbbell bench press
90%
3
4
Barbell hack squat
90%
3
4
Barbell shoulder press
90%
3
4
Deadlift
90%
3
4
Dumbbell row
90%
3
4
Triceps dip
90%
3
4
Barbell curl
90%
3
4
Cable woodchopper
3
10
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Deadlift
90%
5
4
One-arm dumbbell deadlift
90%
3
4
Bench press
90%
3
4
Upright row
90%
3
4
Lat pulldown
90%
3
4
Lying triceps extension
90%
3
4
Preacher curl
90%
3
4
Back extension
3
10
WEEK 16
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Squat
95%
5
2
Leg press
95%
3
2
Incline dumbbell press
95%
3
2
Dumbbell shoulder press
95%
3
2
T-bar row
95%
3
2
Romanian deadlift
95%
3
2
Close-grip bench press
95%
3
2
Dumbbell curl
95%
3
2
Reverse crunch
3
12-15
197
Programs for Maximizing Strength
WEEK 16 (continued)
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Bench press
95%
5
2
Incline bench press
95%
3
2
Lunge
95%
3
2
Barbell shoulder press
95%
3
2
Deadlift
95%
3
2
Dumbbell row
95%
3
2
Triceps dip
95%
3
2
Barbell curl
95%
3
2
Dumbbell woodchopper
3
10
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Deadlift
95%
5
2
Good morning
95%
3
2
Bench press
95%
3
2
Upright row
95%
3
2
Lat pulldown
95%
3
2
Triceps pressdown
95%
3
2
Preacher curl
95%
3
2
Back extension
3
10
5–3–2 Method
This 10-week maximal-strength peaking program
is best used by those with at least one year of
solid training experience. It starts off heavy and
gets even heavier throughout the program. It is a
simple program to follow because the rep ranges
correspond with the number of weeks you should
train with that rep range. The first five weeks is a
5 by 5 program where you stick with a weight that
allows you to get five sets of five reps. Then for
the next three weeks you bump it up to a weight
that allows you to get three sets of three reps,
or a 3 by 3 program. You finish with two weeks
of training with a weight that allows you to get
only two sets of two reps, or a 2 by 2 program.
Similar to other weight progression schemes for
increasing strength, this program works because
it slowly increases the weight until a weight close
to the one-rep max is being used. See table 9.8
for a sample 10-week 5–3–2 program that will
boost strength on all three major lifts. This sample
program uses a push–pull training split.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.8 5–3–2 Strength Program
WEEKS 1-5
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY): PUSH
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
85%
5
5
Squat1
Leg press
85%
5
5
Leg extension
85%
5
5
1
85%
5
5
Bench press
Incline dumbbell press
85%
5
5
Dumbbell shoulder press
85%
5
5
Close-grip bench press
85%
5
5
2
5
10-12
Standing calf raise
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY): PULL
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
Deadlift
85%
5
5
Lying leg curl
85%
5
5
Barbell row
85%
5
5
Lat pulldown
85%
5
5
Barbell curl
85%
5
5
5
10-12
Weighted crunch3
> continued
198
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 9.8 5–3–2 Strength Program (continued)
WEEKS 6-8
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY): PUSH
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
90%
3
3
Squat1
Leg press
90%
3
3
Split squat
90%
3
3
1
90%
3
3
Bench press
Incline bench press
90%
3
3
Barbell shoulder press
90%
3
3
Dips
90%
3
3
2
4
8-10
Standing calf raise
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY): PULL
Deadlift
90%
3
3
Good morning
90%
3
3
Seated cable row
90%
3
3
Lat pulldown
90%
3
3
Barbell curl
90%
3
3
4
4
8-10
Standing crunch
Thursday perform bench press and incline dumbbell press before
squat.
1
Thursday perform seated calf raise.
2
WEEKS 9-10
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY): PUSH
Weight
Exercise
(% RM) Sets Reps
95%
2
2
Squat1
Front squat
95%
2
2
Leg press
95%
2
2
1
95%
2
2
Bench press
Dumbbell bench press
95%
2
2
Barbell shoulder press
95%
2
2
Close-grip bench press
95%
2
2
2
3
6-8
Standing calf raise
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY): PULL
Deadlift
95%
2
2
Romanian deadlift
95%
2
2
Barbell row
95%
2
2
Lat pulldown
95%
2
2
Barbell curl
95%
2
2
5
3
6-8
Standing crunch
Friday perform hanging leg raise.
3
Friday perform Russian twist.
4
Friday perform dumbbell woodchopper.
5
Higher-Strength Program
This program is based on research from Japan that
has discovered when one set of very high reps is
added to the last set of each exercise, strength
gains are better than when training with just low
reps. They studied leg strength in subjects on a
10-week program of leg presses and leg extensions. One group trained with five sets of three
to five reps while the second group added one
set of 25 to 30 reps at the end of each exercise.
The group that added the 25 to 30 reps had a 5
percent greater increase in strength, as well as
greater increases in muscle size, than the group
performing just five sets of 3 to 5 reps. Although
the scientists were unsure of the exact mechanism for the additional strength gains, it appears
that the single set of higher reps provides an
additional training stimulus that affects strength
gains. The higher levels of growth hormone
associated with the higher-rep training may have
affected adaptations in muscle fibers that could
have increased the strength of the muscle fibers.
Taking advantage of this information is as simple
as adding one set of 25 to 30 reps with a weight
that is only about 45 to 50 percent RM to a program that incorporates a 5 by 5 strength training
system. Be sure to take this final set to muscle
failure. Since this program is fairly demanding on
the muscle fibers, you should train each muscle
group just once per week while using this program
in table 9.9. Follow it for no more than eight weeks.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
199
Programs for Maximizing Strength
TABLE 9.9 Get High for Strength
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Weight
Sets Reps (% RM)
5
5
85%
1
25-30 45-50%
Leg press
5
5
85%
1
25-30 45-50%
Leg extension
5
5
85%
1
25-30 45-50%
Standing calf raise
5
25-30
Cable woodchopper
5
25-30
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
5
5
85%
1
25-30 45-50%
Incline bench press
5
5
85%
1
25-30 45-50%
Barbell shoulder press
5
5
85%
1
25-30 45-50%
Close-grip bench press
5
5
85%
1
25-30 45-50%
Standing crunch
5
8-10
Exercise
Squat
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
Exercise
Deadlift
Romanian deadlift
Lying leg curl
Barbell row
Barbell curl
Incline reverse crunch
Sets
5
1
5
1
5
1
5
1
5
1
5
Reps
5
25-30
5
25-30
5
25-30
5
25-30
5
25-30
15-20
Weight
(% RM)
85%
45-50%
85%
45-50%
85%
45-50%
85%
45-50%
85%
45-50%
Static Strength Training
This method involves holding a heavy weight at
the end of the positive phase of a rep for up to
20 seconds. Although using a full range of motion
(ROM) is typically a smart thing to do, there are
occasions when going against the norm is warranted, such as when strength gains have come to
a halt regardless of the programs you have tried.
When this is the case, it’s time to pull out all the
stops and use something quite unorthodox—such
as static strength training. The term static means
lack of movement, as in an isometric contraction.
And as this term implies, with static training you
take a weight and hold it in a fixed position for
several seconds. This concept is based on the idea
that by forcing the muscle to work only when it is
maximally contracted and using the heaviest weight
possible, you can optimize its strength potential.
Although there is no published research to support its effectiveness, anecdotal reports on static
strength training are quite impressive. In fact, Bob
Hoffman, founder of the York Barbell Company
and former U.S. Olympic weightlifting coach, had
members of the U.S. team use a similar training
system with much success in the early 1960s. The
late Mike Mentzer, professional bodybuilder, also
touted the effectiveness of static contractions for
building both muscle size and strength. It appears
to work because of the overload that is placed on
the muscle. When you train using a full ROM, the
amount of weight you can use is limited by your
sticking point—the point in the exercise ROM where
you’re weakest. You can use only as much weight as
you can lift through that sticking point. With static
contractions, the sticking point is eliminated, so
you can overload the muscle fibers with as much
weight as you can hold for at least 10 seconds in
the strongest position of the particular muscle.
To use static strength training properly, be sure
to start each workout with a thorough warm-up.
Do two light sets of each exercise you’re training
statically. On each rep, stop and hold for a count
of three at about two to four inches from the end
of the full contraction. Hit a third warm-up set with
a weight you can do for about six reps, but do only
200
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
one rep—being sure to hold it for a count of three
before ending the set. Do two static sets per exercise with two minutes of rest in between sets. The
weight you choose should be light enough to allow
you to hold it statically at about two to four inches
from the full contraction point of the movement for
at least 10 seconds but heavy enough so that you
can’t hold it for more than 20 seconds. See the
following sample photos of static contraction hold
positions for common exercises. Once you can hold
a weight for more than 20 seconds, it’s time to
increase the weight. After the second set, drop the
weight and do three full-ROM sets of that exercise.
You’ll need a reliable training partner to help you
with this training method. Your training partner will
need to help you move the weight to the static position but should apply only enough force as needed
to help you get the weight there. That will help to
prepare your muscles to resist the weight during the
static contraction. The training partner should also
watch the clock during your static sets to make sure
you are within the time window of 10 to 20 seconds
per set. A Smith machine makes a good tool to use
for many of the static contraction exercises because
it is easier to set the weight in the correct position.
Try the static strength training program outlined
in table 9.10 for eight weeks before returning to
full-ROM training. The goal is to progress to heavier
weights for the static contraction sets over the
eight weeks. This should carry over to greater
strength when you return to full-ROM training. This
sample static strength training workout uses an
upper- and lower-body powerlifting split.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.10 Static King Workout
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PUSHING EXERCISES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Dumbbell bench press 2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Barbell shoulder press 2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Dumbbell lateral raise 2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Close-grip bench press 2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Triceps pressdown
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Standing crunch
3
8-10
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (TUESDAY):
SQUAT AND QUADRICEPS EXERCISES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Squat
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Leg press
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Leg extension
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Standing calf raise
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
10-12
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (THURSDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PULLING EXERCISES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
5
75%*
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
Seated cable row
3
6 with 80%
Lat pulldown
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
*Light bench press day—no static contractions.
> continued on page 202
Static Contraction Hold Positions
Static bench press.
Static shoulder press.
Static triceps pressdown.
Static squat.
Static deadlift.
Static seated row.
Static barbell curl.
Static standing calf raise.
201
202
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 9.10 Static King Workout (continued)
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (THURSDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PULLING EXERCISES (continued)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell curl
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Russian twist
3
15-20
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (FRIDAY):
DEADLIFT AND HAMSTRING EXERCISES
Deadlift
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (FRIDAY):
DEADLIFT AND HAMSTRING EXERCISES (continued)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Romanian deadlift
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Lying leg curl
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
6 with 80%
Seated calf raise
2 static sets/
10-20 sec
3
12-15
Back extension
3
10-12
Stronger by the Inch Program
This strength training program takes advantage of
overload by starting with a weight that is greater
than the lifter’s 1RM. This weight is performed for
partial-ROM reps that gradually increase in ROM
until the full ROM is completed. It is a method
to use sparingly, such as when all other strength
training methods have failed to provide sufficient
gains in strength. This method of using progressive partial reps to grow stronger works best for
compound movements such as the three major
strength lifts: bench press, squat, and deadlift. To
follow the stronger by the inch program safely and
effectively, you should perform the lifts in a power
rack. This allows you to accurately measure the ROM
and keep it limited to where you want it. The pins
will also act as a safety net for when you fail. See
the Rack It Up box for setting up properly in the rack.
You start the program with about 10 percent
more weight than your current one-rep max (1RM)
for the lift on which you wish to increase your
strength. For example, if your max bench press
is 250 pounds, you should use about 275 for the
Stronger by the Inch program. The program works
best if you concentrate on using it for one lift at a
time and train each major lift just once per week.
The first week, start by doing a four-inch partial rep:
Lower the bar only four inches (10 centimeters) from
the top position of the exercise, near lockout. Each
week you’ll attempt to lower the ROM by lowering
the pins in the rack by two inches (five centimeters).
If you get stuck at a setting and can’t get one rep,
increase the pin height by two inches and complete
the workout from there. Next week, lower the pin
by two inches and try again. If you don’t stick it at
this point, strip off some plates to find a weight at
which you can complete the partial rep. This is the
new weight with which you’ll finish the program. The
goal is to lower the weight an additional two inches
each week until you’re about four inches above the
bottom position. If you don’t progress to this point
by eight weeks, stop where you are and test your
1RM. You should still show some improvement on
your strength in the full ROM for that lift.
This method of progressive partials works
because of overload. By using a weight that’s
heavier than you could normally handle for fullrange reps, you overload the majority of the muscle
fibers that perform the full-ROM version of the
exercise. Although your strength increase will be
mainly in the small ROM you’re using, some of this
will carry over into the lower portions of the ROM.
By slowly lowering the ROM in two-inch increments,
you allow the muscle fibers to adapt to the heavier
weight and slowly increase the ROM to which your
new strength can be applied.
Table 9.11 shows a sample bench press program set up for a lifter with an 18-inch range of
motion and a 275-pound 1RM using 300 as his
or her new weight. Table 9.12 shows a sample
program for incorporating partial rep training on
the bench press into a workout program.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.11 Inching Along on the Bench
Press
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8*
Pin setting
4 inches from top
6 inches from top
8 inches from top
10 inches from top (if you can’t make
without assistance, do it again)
10 inches from top
12 inches from top
14 inches from top
Full-ROM 1RM with 300 pounds
*
Always retest your 1RM on week 8, regardless of how far you’ve
progressed down the rack. You may be able to do the weight for
a full-ROM rep, even if you haven’t gotten below 10 or 12 inches
from the top. Even if you can’t do a full ROM with the new weight,
you should be able to do at least 5% more than your original 1RM.
Note: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.
TABLE 9.12 Full-Rep Program
Exercise
Set
Bench press Warm-up
Warm-up
Warm-up
Warm-up
1
2
3
4
5
Dumbbell
1
bench
2
press
3
Barbell
1
shoulder
2
press
3
Close-grip
1
bench
2
press
3
Hanging leg
4 sets
raise
ROM
Full
Full
Partial
Partial
Partial
Partial
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Full
Weight
(% 1RM)
50%
70%
90%
100%
110%
110%
90%
85%
75%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
Body
weight
Reps
10
6
2
1
1-3
1-3
2-3
5-6
10
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
12-15
Rack It Up
Follow these steps to get set up in the power rack for progressive partials.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Measure the distance between safety pin settings (holes) on the rack. Most racks will
have holes spaced every 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters).
Determine the top position in your ROM, just before lockout. Use the pinhole just below
this to designate your top point.
Determine the bottom position of your ROM and designate it with the lower pinhole.
Count the number of pin settings between the top and bottom positions. The distance
will probably range from 12 to 24 inches (30.5 to 61 centimeters), depending on your
limb length and the exercise you’re doing. Therefore, the number of pin settings will likely
range from 2 to 10 holes. Your progression scheme will be based partly on this number.
Subtract 4 inches from the top, meaning you won’t use the first one or two pin settings.
Subtract 4 inches from the bottom, meaning you won’t work below 4 inches from the bottom
position. (Once you’re close to this point, you’ll likely be able to perform a full rep with the
weight.) In other words, you won’t work down to the last one or two pegs.
Now count the number of pin settings between these two settings. This should be somewhere from one to seven holes.
If the rack you’re using has setting increments larger than 2 inches, you’ll need to modify
it so that you make 2-inch progressions over the course of the program. You can use bar
pads, towels, or 2.5-pound plates (most have about a 2-inch radius).
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Ballistic Strength Training
This training method develops explosive power,
which can increase strength. This is because each
strength exercise has a natural biomechanical
sticking point that occurs at a spot in the range of
motion where primary muscle groups are changing.
For example, in the bench press, the sticking point
for many lifters is where the primary force is being
changed from the pectoralis major to the deltoids
and triceps. Ballistic training uses explosive movements that power you through these sticking points.
The major benefit of ballistic training has to
do with acceleration. In a traditional rep, you
typically accelerate the weight on the concentric
portion only during the first third of the range of
motion. During the other two-thirds, the weight is
actually being decelerated. If deceleration did not
take place, you wouldn’t be able to hold onto the
weight at the end of the rep. Yet, when you train
ballistically, the weight is accelerated through the
whole range of motion and starts to decelerate
only after you’ve let go of the bar. This allows you
to develop much more power through the rep.
Ballistic training also forces your body to trigger fast-twitch muscle fibers. This is important
because these fibers have the greatest potential
for strength gains. Because ballistic training forces
the muscles to adapt to contracting very quickly
and forcefully, it trains the fast-twitch fibers to
produce a great amount of force in a very short
period. This is very useful when applying a great
amount of force such as during a max bench press,
squat, or deadlift.
Ballistic training is most commonly performed
with bench press throws and squat jumps, often
using a Smith machine, which guides the bar
securely along metal rods. Yet, ballistic training is
not confined to these exercises. In fact, ballistic
training can be done for almost any muscle group.
See table 9.13 for a list of ballistic exercises that
can be performed in any gym.
Regardless of the exercise, ballistic training
should be done with a weight that is about 30 to 50
percent of the 1RM for that exercise. This weight
is used because research has shown that optimal power is produced at about 30 to 50 percent
RM. For example, if your max bench press is 300
pounds, you would do bench press throws on the
Smith machine with about 90 to 150 pounds. The
number of reps performed with ballistic training is
three to five reps, never any more. This is to keep
every rep a max effort and prevent fatigue. Fatigue
does not benefit the development of power and can
actually increase the risk of injury when training
ballistically. Therefore, rest time should be ample
between sets. Take at least three minutes of rest
before doing another set.
A great way to work ballistic training into your
regimen is to use a max effort–dynamic effort training split and perform the ballistic training during
the dynamic effort portion of the split. An example
of this is outlined in table 9.14 to be done on the
third and fourth workouts (usually on Thursday
and Friday) of a max effort–dynamic effort training
split. Another way to train ballistically is to follow a
squat, bench press, and deadlift training split on
a full-body ballistic workout performed on a fourth
day. An example of such a workout is presented
in table 9.15.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.13 Ballistic Bounty
Muscle group
Chest
Legs
Legs and back
Back
Shoulders
Triceps
Biceps
Exercise
Smith machine
bench press throw
Execution
On the Smith machine, lower the bar to your chest just as you would
during a normal set. Then, press the weight off your chest explosively
so that you throw it up as high as possible. Keep your arms extended
with a slight bend in the elbows and catch the weight as it comes back
down. Reset your hands so they’re even before doing the next rep.
Jump squat
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Drop into a squat until
your thighs are about parallel to the ground, then explode up as fast
as you can so that your feet leave the floor at the top of the motion.
Land with soft knees and go down into your next rep. Research shows
that doing jump squats with just your body weight develops more
power than using additional weight from a barbell.
Dumbbell deadlift
Squat to grab dumbbells that are placed just outside your feet. As with
jump
the jump squat, you will explode up as fast as you can so that your
feet leave the ground at the top of the motion. Land with soft knees
and immediately go down to return the weight to the floor.
One-arm Smith
Place the bar at the very bottom of the Smith machine and stand
machine power row sideways to it with your right foot 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 46
centimeters) away to provide the bar with plenty of clearance when you
release it. Grasp the bar with your right hand, bend your knees slightly,
and keep your back flat. Using your back muscles, pull the weight up
forcefully and let go of the bar as you pull your shoulder blade back.
Let the weight fall to the start; it will be cushioned by the bumper
springs. Repeat for 3 to 5 reps and then switch arms.
Smith machine over- Get on your knees or sit on a low-back bench while holding the bar of
head press throw
the Smith machine at upper chest level. Push the weight up forcefully
overhead, releasing your grip at the top of the movement and catching
the weight when it comes back down.
Smith machine close- This movement will be the same as for the bench throw, except that
grip bench throw
you’ll grasp the bar with a shoulder-width grip. After catching the bar
on the way down, be sure to reset your hands so they’re even and
close together.
Smith machine curl Because the Smith machine limits you to a fixed path, the range of
throw
motion here will be shorter than on a free-weight barbell curl. Start just
below halfway (arms at about 45 degrees to the floor) with a shoulderwidth grip. Explode the weight up so that it leaves your hands before
you’re able to squeeze the contraction, as you normally would when
curling. Again, catch the bar on the way down and reset your grip.
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TABLE 9.14 Going Ballistic
TABLE 9.15 Power Play Day
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 2: SQUAT, DEADLIFT
Exercise
Sets Reps
%1RM
Squat jump
3
3-5
30-50%
Dumbbell deadlift jump
3
3-5
30-50%
Romanian deadlift
3
3-5
75%
Barbell good morning
3
3-5
75%
Russian twist
3 15-20 Body weight
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS
Smith machine bench
3
3-5
30-50%
press throw
Smith machine
3
3-5
30-50%
overhead press throw
Smith machine close3
3-5
30-50%
grip bench throw
One-arm Smith machine 3
3-5
30-50%
power row
Smith machine curl
3
3-5
30-50%
throw
Decline crunch
3
12
Body weight
Exercise
Sets
Squat jump
3
Smith machine bench press 3
throw
One-arm Smith machine
3
power row
Dumbbell deadlift jump
3
Smith machine overhead
3
press throw
Smith machine close-grip
3
bench throw
Smith machine curl throw
3-4
Reps
3-5
3-5
%1RM
30-50%
30-50%
3-5
30-50%
3-5
3-5
30-50%
30-50%
3-5
30-50%
3-5
Negative-Rep Strength Training
Negative-rep training refers to training that emphasizes the negative, or eccentric, portion of the exercise. Unlike negative-rep training to build muscle
mass, negative-rep strength training does not
come as an afterthought at the end of a workout
but as the first and foremost method used in the
workout. Doing negative reps as the first sets of an
exercise allows for greater than 100 percent RM
to be used as weight. Most lifters can resist about
130 percent of their 1RM on the negative portion
of the rep. Training with this much weight even on
the negative motion of an exercise can cause real
strength gains on the positive portion of the exercise as well. This has to do with muscle fiber and
nerve adaptations. The overload that the excess
weight places on the muscle fiber induces muscle
damage and influences the nerves that cause the
muscles to recruit more fast-twitch muscle fibers.
These two factors result in muscle regeneration that
leads to larger and stronger muscle fibers as well
as a greater number of fast-twitch muscle fibers.
When training with negative reps, the key is
to perform the rep slowly. You should attempt a
weight that is about 130 percent of your 1RM for
the exercises you are training and resist it at a rate
that takes three to five seconds to complete the
negative rep. If you can resist the weight for longer
than five seconds, add more weight. If you can’t
resist the weight for at least three seconds, reduce
the weight. Perform three sets of four to six negative reps for each major lift—bench press, squats
(should be done on Smith machine), and deadlift.
Follow the negatives with two sets of regular reps
using a weight that is about 75 to 80 percent RM.
Because of the intensity of negative-rep training,
you’ll need more time to recover between sets,
at least three minutes. The same holds true for
recovery between workouts, because you should
allow a full seven days of rest between workouts.
That makes the squat–bench press–deadlift training split a popular one to use when training with
negative-rep training. See table 9.16 for a sample
negative-rep training week using that split. Follow
this for no more than six weeks.
To use negative-rep training safely and effectively, you should have the help of a training
partner. Those who train alone can do unilateral
negatives with the help of a Smith machine. To do
this, load the Smith machine with about 70 percent
RM for the bench press, squat, or deadlift. Lift the
Programs for Maximizing Strength
weight through the positive, or concentric, portion
of the lift, but resist the weight through the negative portion with only one limb. Switch the limb
that takes the negative rep every other rep until
each limb has performed four to six negative reps.
Finally, you should be aware of delayed-onset
muscle soreness (DOMS) that usually accompanies
negative-rep training. For those unaccustomed to
negative-rep training, DOMS can be severe. The
more often you use the technique, the less severe
the soreness will be. Some people may be at risk
for developing a rare condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This sometimes-fatal condition can occur
after severe muscle damage. When muscles break
down, they release potassium, enzymes, and myoglobin into the blood. Myoglobin can accumulate in
the kidneys and cause them to collapse. This can
escalate into dangerously high blood potassium
levels and may result in heart failure. To prevent
rhabdomyolysis while using negative-rep training,
drink plenty of water (up to one gallon per day), limit
alcohol consumption, avoid training with negatives
for several weeks after a viral infection, and go to the
hospital immediately if your urine turns dark brown.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
PROGRAMS THAT
MANIPULATE LOAD
Strength is all about weight. The amount of weight
you can lift defines your level of strength. Because
of this, it is only logical that strength training programs that vary the weight you lift are successful
strategies for building muscle strength. This
section discusses strength training techniques
that alter the load, or amount of weight, used
during workouts. Some techniques work through
207
TABLE 9.16 Accentuate the Positive
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Weight
Exercise
Sets Reps (% RM)
Smith machine squat
3
4-6
130%
Barbell squat
2
6-8
80%
Leg press
3
6-8
80%
Leg extension
3
8-10
75%
Standing calf raise
3
8-10
75%
Crunch
3
20
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
3
4-6
130%
2
6-8
80%
Incline dumbbell press
3
6-8
80%
Barbell shoulder press
3
6-8
80%
Close-grip bench press
3
6-8
80%
Hanging leg raise
3
12-15
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
Deadlift
3
4-6
130%
2
6-8
80%
Good morning
3
6-8
80%
Lying leg curl
3
8-10
75%
Barbell row
4
6-8
80%
Barbell curl
4
6-8
80%
Russian twist
4
15-20
mechanisms involving the nervous system, such
as the max-out for muscle strength method and
wave training method. The 5 percent method works
by systematically increasing and decreasing the
weight over time, while the DeLorme ascending
pyramid progressively increases the weight on
each successive set. One program—the sameweight training method—uses the same weight
for all sets. Modifying the weight you train with
by following any of these programs will work to
increase the total amount of weight you can lift.
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Max-Out for Muscle Strength Method
This method takes advantage of a phenomenon
known formally as postactivation potentiation, or
simply potentiation. This refers to the ability of one
exercise to immediately enhance the performance
of a second exercise that is performed shortly after
the first exercise. Although there are many ways to
do this, the max-out for muscle strength method
uses the same exercise but different weights
to achieve the same effect. More precisely, this
method uses a one-rep set with 90 percent RM to
enhance the number of reps that can be performed
with a subsequent set using 80 percent RM.
Although the exact mechanism for this phenomenon has not been pinpointed, scientists currently
believe that it may be due to enhanced excitation of
the central nervous system or to molecular events
in the muscle fibers themselves. In simpler terms,
performing the heavy set “tricks” your nervous
system into preparing for another heavy set. When
you suddenly drop the weight, it feels lighter than
it normally would because your nervous system is
calling in more muscle fibers to do the job than it
normally would for the lighter weight. This is the
reason baseball players swing with a weighted bat
before hitting with a much lighter bat. Regardless
of the mechanism, the bottom line is that it may
increase your strength on lighter sets by close to
10 percent.
To perform this method in the gym, you do one
set using 90 to 95 percent RM for just one rep.
Then you rest three minutes and perform a set
with about 10 percent more than 80 percent RM
(a weight you can normally lift for about eight reps).
The potentiation from the previous set should
allow you to complete about eight reps with the
heavier weight. For example, if your 1RM on the
bench press is 300, the first set you do (after two
or three warm-up sets) is for one rep with about
275 to 285 pounds. The second set you do would
be with 260 pounds for about eight reps. Normally
you would be able to lift only 240 pounds for eight
reps, but the potentiation increased your strength
by roughly 10 percent.
The best way to use this technique is to reserve
it for major lifts and train those lifts just once per
week. Do not use the max-out for muscle strength
technique for more than eight weeks consecutively
for any exercise. See table 9.17 for a sample squat
workout using the max-out for muscle strength
technique. This workout is for a lifter whose 1RM
on the squat is 365 pounds, whose 90% RM is
about 330 pounds, and whose 80% RM (what he or
she can normally complete for eight reps) is about
290 pounds. This workout should be followed with
the typical squat assistance exercises.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.17 Fast Strength
Exercise
Squat
Set
Warm-up
Warm-up
Warm-up
Warm-up
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
Set 4
Weight
Rest
(pounds) Reps (minutes)
135
10
2
225
7
2
275
5
2
315
1
3
330
1
3-5
310*
8
5
330
1
3-5
310*
8
3
*Although the lifter normally can squat only 290 pounds for eight
reps, the potentiation allows for two sets of eight reps with 310
pounds.
209
Programs for Maximizing Strength
5 Percent Method
This program follows a set pattern of progression
in the amount of weight lifted. Basically, in each
workout the weight lifted is increased by about
5 percent and the number of reps performed is
decreased by one. Although the 5 percent program
is a little more complicated than that, the result is
simply an increase in strength of about 10 percent
after only six successive workouts. The 5 percent
program is best used on basic exercises such
as the bench press, incline bench press, squat,
deadlift, leg press, shoulder press, barbell row,
and pulldown. It can also be adapted to basic arm
exercises such as close-grip bench press, triceps
pressdown, triceps extension, and the barbell curl.
Perform no more than three exercises per muscle
group and provide each with five to seven days of
rest between workouts. To start the 5 percent program, pick a weight for each exercise that allows
you to perform four sets of six reps with three- to
four-minute rest periods between sets. We’ll use
the squat, with a weight of 300 pounds, as an
example. In workout 1 you would perform four sets
of the squat, each for six reps using 300 pounds.
For workout 2 you increase the weight by 5 percent—or to 315 pounds—and finish four sets of
five reps. At workout 3 you increase the weight by
5 percent again (from the original 300 pounds)—or
330 pounds—and do four sets of four reps. Workout 4 has a slight change. Here you drop 5 percent
of the weight from the previous workout—back to
315 pounds—but you do four sets of six reps.
At workout 5 you bump up the weight again by 5
percent to 330 pounds and do four sets of five
reps. In workout six you increase the weight again
by 5 percent—or 345 pounds—and do four sets
of four reps. During the next workout, you should
be able to get four sets of six reps using 330
pounds—a nice 10 percent increase in strength.
See table 9.18 for a sample leg workout using the
5 percent method. Follow the leg press with other
assistance exercises performed for three sets of
four to six reps each.
The best way to use the 5 percent method is
by training each muscle group only once per week
to provide adequate recovery. The squat–bench
press–deadlift training split fares well for this
technique.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.18 5 Percent Squat Workout
Workout
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Exercise
Squat
Leg press
Squat
Leg press
Squat
Leg press
Squat
Leg press
Squat
Leg press
Squat
Leg press
Squat
Leg press
Weight
(pounds)
300
700
315
735
330
770
315
735
330
770
345
805
330
770
Sets
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Reps
6
6
5
5
4
4
6
6
5
5
4
4
6
6
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Same-Weight Training Method
With this method the weight is maintained through
all sets for that particular exercise. The key is
starting with a weight at which you can get more
repetitions than you will perform. For example,
you should start with a weight at which you can
get seven or eight reps on your exercise of choice
(about 80 percent RM), but you’d perform only
six reps. Rest only one to two minutes between
sets. By the third to fifth set you will struggle to
be able to complete six reps. You end the exercise once you fail to complete six reps. Your goal
is to complete five sets of six reps. Once you are
able to do more than five sets of six reps with a
weight, increase the weight by 5 to 10 percent the
next time and start the progression over. See table
9.19 for a sample same-weight training program
for the bench press. In this example the lifter has
a bench press 1RM of 315 pounds. This lifter’s
80% RM for the bench press is 250 pounds. It
takes the lifter seven weeks to finish two cycles
of same-weight training. Each of these workouts
can be followed with assistance exercises such
as dumbbell bench press, barbell shoulder, press,
and triceps dip.
Reserve same-weight training for just the
major lifts and follow these lifts with assistance
exercises for three sets of six to eight reps. Do
two complete cycles for each exercise you are
training with the same weight training method.
That is, make it through one cycle of five sets of
six reps and increase the weight. Then continue
to that cycle until you can do five sets of six reps
with the new weight. After that, switch back to
a more basic training method. The same-weight
training method works well with almost any training
split, particularly the squat–bench press–deadlift
training split.
TABLE 9.19 Same-Weight Program
Weight
250
250
250
265
265
265
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
265
WORKOUT 1
Set
Reps
1
6
2
6
3
6
4
4
WORKOUT 2
1
6
2
6
3
6
4
6
5
4
WORKOUT 3
1
6
2
6
3
6
4
6
5
6
WORKOUT 4
1
6
2
6
3
5
WORKOUT 5
1
6
2
6
3
6
4
4
WORKOUT 6
1
6
2
6
3
6
4
6
5
5
WORKOUT 7
1
6
2
6
3
6
4
6
5
6
Rest
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
1 min
211
Programs for Maximizing Strength
Wave Training Method
This training method can boost your strength by up
to 10 percent in only six to eight weeks. This is due
to the small progressions in weight that take place
with each wave. The waves actually allow you to
lift up to 102 percent of your current max right off
the bat. While that may equate to only a few extra
pounds, over six to eight weeks the total expected
strength boost is somewhere around 10 percent.
For this program, you’ll perform a few warm-up
sets, then two or three waves of three sets each,
with four minutes of rest between waves and
between each set. During wave 1, your first set
will consist of three reps with 90 percent RM (a
weight you can normally lift for about four reps).
Set 2 consists of two reps with 95 percent RM.
And on set 3, you’ll do one rep with 100 percent
RM. On wave 2 you’ll increase the weight used
on each set by about 1 percent. In other words,
set 1 will be about 91 percent RM, set 2 will be
96 percent RM, and set 3 will be 101 percent
RM. Because this increment is so small and the
smallest Olympic plates are 1.25 pounds, this
will equal a 2.5-pound jump on any weight under
400 pounds. For weights of 400 pounds or more,
add 5 pounds. In either case, on the third set of
wave 2, you’ll be lifting more than your current
max. If you’re up for it, go for a third wave. To do
so, simply increase the weight another 1 percent
for each set and go for the same number of reps
on each set. That means 102 percent of your max
on that third set.
The goal of wave training is to increase the
weight used on each wave by 1 to 2 percent every
workout. Bit by bit, you can notch up your overall
strength. But if you aren’t successful completing
the last set of the last wave of a workout, start
the next workout with the same weights you used
the previous time and really push to break through
on this round. Then you can raise the weight on
the next workout.
The reason wave training works has to do with
potentiation—similar to the potentiation discussed
in the max-out for muscle strength method. The
earlier sets prime the nervous system, or the contractile fibers of the muscle, in such a way that the
muscle is able to contract with more force on later
sets. As most of the strength techniques suggest,
reserve this strength training method for the prime
strength movements or the exercises you substitute for them. Follow the wave training with three
sets of four to six reps on assistance exercises.
Because of the high intensity of this program,
you shouldn’t train each major lift or muscle group
more than once per week. Therefore, the squat–
bench press–deadlift training split is ideal to use
with wave training. See table 9.20 for a sample
wave training deadlift program, set up for a person
who can currently deadlift 405 pounds for one rep
and wants to get up to 445 pounds. Follow this
program for no more than eight weeks.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.20 Strong Waves
Set
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
WARM-UP
Weight (pounds)
Reps
135 (~30% 1RM)
10
225 (~55% 1RM)
8
315 (~75% 1RM)
5
WAVE 1
365 (90% 1RM)
3
385 (95% 1RM)
2
405 (100% 1RM)
1
WAVE 2
367.5 (91% 1RM)
3
387.5 (96% 1RM)
2
410 (101% 1RM)
1
WAVE 3 (IF POSSIBLE)
370 (92% 1RM)
3
390 (97% 1RM)
2
415 (102% 1RM)
1
Rest
2 min
2 min
4 min
4 min
4 min
4 min
4 min
4 min
4 min
4 min
4 min
4 min
212
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
DeLorme Ascending Strength Pyramid
This program increases weight on each successive
set for three sets total until you are doing the
appropriate weight for the rep range you are using.
For example, on set 1 you perform 10 reps with
50 percent of your 10RM. On set 2 you perform
10 reps with 75 percent of your 10RM. On set 3
you perform 10 reps (or as many reps as it takes
to reach failure) with the actual 10RM. The first
two sets function as warm-up sets because the
weight is relatively light given the number of reps
you have to perform. It is just the last set that can
be considered a working set.
Although this method may seem like little work
to many lifters, this one-working-set scheme may
be the reason it works so well to increase strength.
It provides a thorough warm-up and allows only one
set to failure. This corresponds to research from
Australia that supports the notion that one set to
failure is superior to no sets to failure as well as
more than one set to failure. In fact, a study that
investigated the strength gains after following the
DeLorme ascending strength pyramid or the Oxford
descending pyramid (covered in chapter 6) found
that the DeLorme method led to greater strength
gains than the Oxford method.
When using the DeLorme technique, the repetition maximum is not critical, because many powerlifters use this pyramid method with 3RM, 4RM,
5RM, and 6RM to train for strength. In fact, one
way to use this technique is to routinely change
the RM. Because there is only one working set per
exercise, this program works well with a push–pull
training split or an upper- and lower-body powerlifting split. See table 9.21 for a sample DeLorme
training program that follows a typical push–pull
training split.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.21 DeLorme Strength Pyramid
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY): PUSH
Exercise
Set
Weight
Reps
Squat*
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Leg press
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Leg extension
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Bench press*
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Incline dumbbell
1
50% 5RM
5
press
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Dumbbell shoulder
1
50% 5RM
5
press
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Close-grip bench
1
50% 5RM
5
press
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Standing calf raise 4 sets
8-10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY): PULL
Deadlift
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Lying leg curl
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Barbell row
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Lat pulldown
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Barbell curl
1
50% 5RM
5
2
75% 5RM
5
3
100% 5RM
5
Weighted crunch
4 sets
8-10
*Thursday perform bench press and incline dumbbell press before
squat.
213
Programs for Maximizing Strength
PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATE
REST PERIODS
When it comes to training for strength, rest periods
are pretty standard. Most lifters rest a full three
minutes between sets and rarely veer from this
standard. However, altering rest periods can have a
significant impact on strength gains when properly
executed. This section covers strength training
programs that systematically alter the rest periods involved. This can be done by implementing
short rest periods between each rep (as with the
rest–pause technique), by progressively lowering
the rest between sets every week (as with one-rep
to one-set method), or by progressively losing rest
time between sets because of an increase in the
number of reps performed each week (as found
in the density training technique).
Rest–Pause Technique
Rest–pause is a lifting technique that involves
stopping during a set, resting for a short period,
and then continuing with the set. Its major advantage is that it allows for more total reps to be
done with a given weight. That’s because it takes
advantage of the muscles’ ability to recover rapidly. In simple terms, it allows the muscles time
to replenish phosphocreatine (PCr)—the same
molecule that creatine supplements boost. With
this shot of extra energy, the muscle can contract
more strongly, producing greater force and getting
more reps. The greater the force your muscle can
produce and the more reps you can perform, the
greater the stimulus the muscles receive and the
greater the gains in strength that you can expect.
The concept behind rest–pause training for
strength gains is not necessarily to get more
total reps or reach a higher state of fatigue but to
optimize the force produced on each rep. To prioritize strength gains with rest–pause, you typically
use a weight that allows you to get only three to
five reps (3- to 5RM). The most common form of
rest–pause training is to choose a weight that you
can perform at only about three reps. Do one rep
and rack the weight. Rest 15 seconds and then
pump out another rep. Repeat this process until
you have completed three to five reps total. That
concludes one rest–pause set. This technique has
been shown to be effective at producing decent
strength gains, but it may not be the most effective.
In the laboratory it was discovered that an even
better rest–pause technique for building strength
involved shorter rest periods—about 3 to 5 seconds. Instead of racking the weight and resting 15
seconds between each rep, you simply hold the
weight and rest for 3 to 5 seconds then complete
another rep. Do this for a total of three reps. Stopping at three reps allows you to do three sets at
the same weight, which maximizes the stimulus
the muscle receives. Rest–pause training can work
with any training split. To get appreciable results
from rest–pause training, you will need to use it
consistently for four to six weeks.
Table 9.22 gives a sample bench press routine.
Do all three sets using this rest–pause technique
and then follow them up with a second exercise
for chest (such as incline bench press or dumbbell
bench press) for another three sets of rest–pause.
You will find that you can use considerably more
weight than usual on the second exercise because
you will not be as fatigued as you would be with
three regular sets.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.22 A Pause for Strength
Exercise
Bench press
Weight
260
Set
1, 2, 3
Reps
1, 1, 1
Rest
3 min
Comments
Do 3 reps total, each separated by 5 seconds of rest in
top position.
214
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
One-Rep to One-Set Method
This method takes advantage of time by slowly
decreasing the time rested between each exercise
until you are doing one continuous set. Doing 10
sets of one rep with the same weight each set is
the same amount of work as one set of 10 reps
with that same weight. The difference is that doing
the work as a single set is harder because of the
fatigue that sets in—partly from the increasing
levels of lactic acid. If you slowly, over time, reduce
the amount of rest between those 10 sets, you
will train the muscle to be better at producing the
quick energy you need and to deal with the lactic
acid—and this obviously will help the muscles grow
stronger. The best way to go about this is to start
with a weight at which you can do 10 sets of one
rep with 90-second rest periods between sets. You
then attempt to shave 15 seconds off of the rest
periods with each successive workout.
How this works is simple: Consider that you
can lift the weight for 10 reps—just not 10 reps
in a row. See table 9.23 for a sample program.
This program can be used with any training split.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.23 Bench Rundown
Follow the bench press workout with standard assistance exercises for three sets of four to six reps.
Workout
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Rest
Sets Reps (seconds)
10
1
90
10
1
75
10
1
60
10
1
45
10
1
30
10
1
15
10
1
10
10
1
5
1
10
0
Exercise
Bench press
Bench press
Bench press
Bench press
Bench press
Bench press
Bench press
Bench press
Bench press
Density Training
Density training is a great way to trick your muscles
into lifting more weight for more reps. This is particularly good for increasing strength on body-weight
exercises, such as pull-ups, dips, and push-ups
(since you can’t change your body weight easily),
but it can be used for any exercise. Density training
begins by doubling the volume of work you want
to accomplish. If your goal is to complete 12 reps
with a certain amount of weight, then you start off
with 12 sets of 2 reps (or 24 total reps) in 12 minutes. So rest is about 50 seconds between sets.
Basically you have 1 minute to complete each set
and rest before the next set. The more reps you
do each set, the less rest you are allowed. After
this becomes easy, move to 8 sets of 3 reps in 8
minutes. When this becomes easy, move to 6 sets
of 4 reps in 6 minutes, then 5 sets of 5 reps in 5
minutes, then 4 sets of 6 reps in 4 minutes. When
this becomes easy, move to 3 sets of 8 reps in 3
minutes. When you’ve mastered this, you should
be able to get 1 set of 12 straight reps. By performing the same overall amount of work (24 reps)
and progressively decreasing the amount of rest
time, you are increasing the amount of work done
during a given amount of time or increasing the
density of the work. Density training works because
of biochemical adaptations within the muscle cells
during the progression of the program.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
215
Programs for Maximizing Strength
TABLE 9.24 Density Workout
Workout
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Sets*
12
8
6
5
4
3
1
Reps
2
3
4
5
6
8
12
Rest
(seconds)
50
45
40
35
30
25
Total
set time
(minutes)
12
8
6
5
4
3
1
*As the number of sets decreases, you may find that you cannot
complete all the reps. The first time this happens, stay with the
same sets and reps on your next workout. If you still cannot complete the full number of reps, move forward anyway. Decrease the
sets accordingly and do as many reps as you can. Allow yourself
to repeat the same workout only twice.
PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATE
EXERCISE SELECTION
There are countless exercises that you can use
to enhance muscle strength. Using the proper
exercises can make a huge difference in your
strength gains. This section discusses strength
training methods that alter the exercises that are
used to increase muscle strength. Some of these
techniques focus solely on specific types of exercises, such as unilateral training and the dumbbell
power program, while others use specific types of
exercises in a particular order, such as the threestep strength method, front-to-back training, and
ECO training method.
Unilateral Training
Unilateral training refers to training one side of the
body at a time. Unlike one-sided training for building muscle mass (covered in chapter 6), unilateral
training does not separate training days into leftand right-side workouts. Unilateral training simply
uses exercises that are performed with one limb
at a time—such as the one-arm dumbbell bench
press, the one-leg squat, and even the one-leg,
one-arm dumbbell deadlift. Although this approach
to training is nothing revolutionary, few powerlifters actually train using unilateral exercises.
This is unfortunate, since research confirms that
when you train unilaterally the muscles are able
to produce more force, and more muscle fibers
(particularly fast-twitch muscle fibers) are active.
One study comparing unilateral biceps curls to
bilateral (both arms) biceps curls reported that the
force produced on bilateral biceps curls was up to
about 20 percent less than the sum of the force
produced from the left- and right-arm unilateral
curls. In other words, if you could curl 100 pounds
with a barbell for one rep, you would expect to be
able to curl only a 50-pound dumbbell with each
arm for one rep. In reality, you may be able to curl
a 60-pound dumbbell with each arm for one rep.
Adding the weight of those dumbbells together
would mean that you could curl a total of 120
pounds, or 20 percent more than with both arms
at the same time.
To take advantage of the added strength that
unilateral training offers, you should periodically do
one-arm and one-leg exercises. See table 9.25 for
a list of one-arm and one-leg exercises that can be
added to a strength training program. Descriptions
of how to perform these exercises correctly are
found in part V. A great way to incorporate these
exercises into your current strength training program is to include two sets of unilateral versions
of the strength lifts after you have completed the
working sets of the strength lifts. For assistance
exercises, do two sets of the unilateral version
followed by two sets of the bilateral version for
each exercise. See table 9.26 for a sample
strength training program that heavily incorporates
unilateral exercises into an upper- and lower-body
powerlifting split.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.25 Unilateral Exercises
TABLE 9.26 One Strong Program
Muscle
group
Chest
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PUSHING EXERCISES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
4
5 with
85% RM
One-arm dumbbell bench press
2
4-6
Dumbbell bench press
2
4-6
One-arm dumbbell shoulder press
2
4-6
Dumbbell shoulder press
2
4-6
One-arm dumbbell upright row
2
6-8
Dumbbell upright row
2
6-8
One-arm dumbbell triceps press
2
4-6
Dumbbell close-grip bench press
2
4-6
Standing crunch
3
8-10
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (TUESDAY):
SQUAT AND QUADRICEPS EXERCISES
Squat
4
5 with
85% RM
One-leg squat
2
4-6
One-leg leg press
2
4-6
Leg press
2
4-6
One-leg leg extension
2
6-8
Leg extension
2
6-8
Standing calf raise
4
8-10
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (THURSDAY):
BENCH PRESS AND PULLING EXERCISES
Bench press
4
75%
One-arm dumbbell row
2
4-6
Barbell row
2
4-6
One-arm cable lat pulldown
2
6-8
Lat pulldown
3
6-8
One-arm dumbbell curl
2
6-8
Dumbbell curl
2
6-8
Russian twist
3
20
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (FRIDAY):
DEADLIFT AND HAMSTRING EXERCISES
Deadlift
4
5 with
85% RM
One-leg, one-arm dumbbell
2
4-6
deadlift
One-leg Romanian deadlift
2
6-8
Romanian deadlift
2
6-8
One-leg lying leg curl
2
6-8
Lying leg curl
2
6-8
Seated calf raise
4
10-12
Shoulders
Back
Legs
Triceps
Biceps
216
Exercise
One-arm dumbbell bench press (flat,
incline, decline)
One-arm dumbbell fly (flat, incline,
decline)
One-arm dumbbell overhead press
One-arm dumbbell upright row
One-arm dumbbell lateral raise
One-arm dumbbell row
One-arm cable lat pulldown
One-leg squat
One-leg leg press
One-leg leg extension
One-leg leg curl
One-leg, one-arm deadlift
One-leg Romanian deadlift
One-arm dumbbell triceps extension
One-arm triceps pressdown
One-arm lying triceps extension
One-arm dumbbell curl
Dumbbell concentration curl
One-arm dumbbell preacher curl
217
Programs for Maximizing Strength
Three-Step Strength Method
This training method incorporates dumbbell, barbell, and machine versions of one exercise in that
specific order to enhance muscle strength. While
one benefit of this training method is the variety of
exercises, the main benefit stems from the order
in which you do these exercises. The major reason
for this has to do with the stabilizer muscles.
The stabilizer muscles generally lie deep under
your major muscle groups (the prime movers).
Though the stabilizers are often much smaller and
weaker, they’re important for securing the joints
during various movements. When you train with
equipment that’s fairly unstable—such as dumbbells—the stabilizer muscles become fatigued
much sooner than the muscle group you’re trying
to work because the stabilizers are weaker. When
the stabilizers are fatigued, the brain limits the
nervous input to the prime movers in order to
prevent injury from occurring. In other words, the
stabilizers limit the amount of force the prime
movers can produce.
One unorthodox way to train that prevents the
stabilizers from being the weak link in your training
is to order your exercises in a manner that moves
from the least stable exercise to the most stable.
This way, as the stabilizer muscles fatigue, you
change the exercises to ones that require less
activity of the stabilizers. This allows the prime
movers to train with heavy weights that are not
limited by the fatigue of the stabilizer muscles.
The three-step strength method follows this order
by starting the workout with dumbbell exercises,
which require the most help from the stabilizers
because each arm is allowed to move in all directions that the joints will allow. For leg exercises,
one-leg exercises would take the place of dumbbell
exercises. The workout then moves to a barbell
exercise. Because it is a free-weight exercise, you
still require some use of stabilizer muscles. But
because these exercises are done bilaterally with
both arms locked in place on the bar (upper-body
exercises) or both legs locked in place on the floor
(leg exercises), there is less use of the stabilizers
than with dumbbell or unilateral leg exercises.
The last type of exercise on the list is a machine
exercise. This type of exercise requires barely any
help from the stabilizers because the movement
of the machine forces your body to follow a predetermined path that doesn’t permit deviation. Since
the machine is designed to target particular prime
movers, the stabilizers are basically not needed.
As an example of a three-step strength method
workout for a bench press-focused workout, you
would start with the dumbbell bench press, then
move to the barbell bench press, and finish with
the machine bench press. For a squat-focused
workout, you could start with the one-leg squat as
the first exercise, then move to the barbell squat as
the second exercise, and finish with the leg press.
Using this training method for a deadlift-focused
workout is not ideal but can be done. For this
workout, start with the one-leg, one-arm dumbbell
deadlift, then move to the standard deadlift, and
finish with a horizontal leg press machine (but
start the movement from the down position, which
mimics the deadlift).
This training method should not take the place
of standard strength training methods that organize the major strength exercises first in the workout. Instead, the best way to use the three-step
strength method is to train with it on a second
workout for that lift later in the week. For instance,
you can do a standard bench press workout early in
the week and then do a three-step strength method
bench press workout later in the week. This works
well with the squat–bench press–deadlift training
split by adding a three-step strength method workout on Saturday. An example of this is shown in
the workout in table 9.27. Each exercise should
be done for 3 working sets. The amount of weight
used and the reps performed can be cycled to
correspond with your training phase.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
218
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 9.27 Three-Stepping for Strength
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Squat
4
5 with 85% RM
Leg press
3
6-8
Leg extension
3
8-10
Standing calf raise
3
8-10
Cable woodchopper
3
20
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
4
5 with 85% RM
Incline dumbbell press
3
6-8
Barbell shoulder press
4
6-8
Close-grip bench press
4
6-8
Standing crunch
4
8-10
WORKOUT 3 (THURSDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Deadlift
4
5 with 85% RM
Good morning
3
6-8
Lying leg curl
3
8-10
Barbell row
4
6-8
Barbell curl
4
6-8
Hanging leg raise
4
10-12
WORKOUT 4 (SATURDAY): THREE-STEP STRENGTH
WORKOUT FOR BENCH PRESS AND SQUAT
Dumbbell bench press
3
6-8
Bench press
3
5 with 80% RM
Machine bench press
3
6-8
One-leg squat
3
6-8
Barbell squat
3
5 with 80% RM
Leg press
3
6-8
Dumbbell Power Program
This is a basic strength training program that uses
only dumbbell exercises. Training this way is not
any more beneficial than using barbells, but it can
work to pull you out of a training slump and get your
strength gains climbing again for several reasons.
The first reason is the change. Changing your training with different exercises, such as those found
in the dumbbell power program, can affect your
overall strength by recruiting different muscle fibers
that you may have neglected from doing the usual
exercises in your routine. Then there’s the strength
imbalance that most lifters have. Some experience
up to a 10 percent difference between their stronger side and weaker side. Unilateral training with
dumbbells forces the weaker side to gain strength
since that side must lift the dumbbell on its own.
Another benefit of dumbbells is that they can
improve the strength of your stabilizer muscles.
This can actually enhance overall muscle strength
while reducing the risk of injury to your joints.
Dumbbell strength training is also great for those
who train at home. Dumbbells take up little room,
and you can perform a variety of exercises in a
minimal amount of space. These exercises are
also great for those with shoulder, elbow, or wrist
injuries because they allow a freer ROM compared
to the ROM allowed with barbells.
The dumbbell power program is a six-week
program that involves many multijoint and
multimovement exercises that increase overall
body strength. See table 9.28 for the outline of
the program. Detailed descriptions on how to
perform these exercises can be found in part V.
Each workout is done three days per week—usually
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you want, you
can include one extra training day that hits the
squat, bench press, and deadlift. In weeks 1 and
2, you’ll train with three sets of 10 to 12 reps with
90 seconds of rest between sets. During weeks
3 and 4, the weight increases and the reps drop
to six to eight per set. Increase the rest to two
minutes between sets. For the final two weeks
(weeks 5 and 6), you increase the weight again
and drop the reps to four to six per set. Increase
the rest periods again to three minutes between
sets to allow ample recovery time. The abdominal
and core exercises, however, increase in reps. For
these, the weight should stay the same or even
increase over the six weeks, and rest should be
constant at one minute between sets.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
219
Programs for Maximizing Strength
TABLE 9.28 Six-Week Dumbbell Power Workout
Exercise
Dumbbell clean and press
Dumbbell push-up + row
Dumbbell squat + overhead press
Dumbbell pullover + press
Dumbbell deadlift + upright row
Dumbbell kickback
Standing alternating dumbbell curl
Dumbbell woodchopper
Dumbbell V-sit
WEEKS 1-2
Sets
Reps
3
10-12
3
10-12
3
10-12
3
10-12
3
10-12
3
10-12
3
10-12
3
10-12
3
10-12
WEEKS 3-4
Sets
Reps
3
6-8
3
6-8
3
6-8
3
6-8
3
6-8
3
6-8
3
6-8
3
12-15
3
12-15
WEEKS 5-6
Sets
Reps
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
15-20
3
15-20
Front-to-Back Training
This training method involves training opposing muscle groups and exercise movements to
increase muscle strength. With this method, you
train exercises that are opposing movements and
train opposing muscle groups back to back. That
is, you do one set of the first exercise and follow
it with one set of an exercise that is the opposite
movement of that first exercise. This is similar to
superset training with a longer rest period allowed
between the opposing exercises. For example,
during front-to-back training you will train the bench
press and barbell row together.
The advantage of training opposing muscle
groups back to back is that you’ll be stronger in
the second exercise. Research has found that a
muscle will be stronger if preceded immediately
by a contraction of its antagonist, or opposing
muscle group. For example, when you do a superset of barbell row and bench press in that order,
you’ll be stronger on the bench press—as long as
you don’t train to failure on the row. The reason
for this phenomenon is that, to some degree, the
agonist muscle is limited by its antagonist. When
bench-pressing using straight sets, for example,
the back muscles inhibit the contraction of the
pectoral muscles to a certain extent. Doing a set
of rows shortly before benching, however, lessens
this inhibitory effect, allowing your pecs to contract
more forcefully.
The front-to-back training routine presented in
table 9.29 uses an upper- and lower-body training
split for a total of four workouts per week. The
upper-body workout is done on Mondays and
Thursdays, and the lower-body workouts are done
on Tuesdays and Fridays. On the Thursday upperbody workout, you should switch the order of the
exercise pair on all exercises except the bench
press. The Tuesday lower-body workout focuses
on the squat, and the Friday lower-body workout
focuses on the deadlift. You will do five sets of
each exercise pair. The first exercise should be
done for no more than five reps with a weight that
is about 50 to 70 percent RM (a weight that allows
you to complete about 12 to 20 reps) for that
exercise. The key is doing these reps explosively
and not fatiguing the muscles. Rest no more than
60 seconds between exercises and do four to six
reps on the second exercise. Normally that would
be a weight that is about 85 to 90 percent RM.
However, the additional strength you get from the
antagonist exercise may allow you to complete
four to six reps with up to 95 percent RM. After
completing the fifth set of the second exercise,
do one set to failure of the first exercise with a
weight that normally allows you to complete about
8 to 10 reps. Follow this program for no more
than six weeks before cycling back to standard
straight-set training.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 9.29 Front-to-Back Strength
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT (MONDAY AND THURSDAY)
EXERCISE 1
EXERCISE 2
Exercise pair
Sets
Reps
Reps
Barbell row and bench press
5
2-3
4-6
Lat pulldown and overhead press
5
2-3
4-6
Barbell curl and triceps dip
5
2-3
4-6
Back extension and weighted crunch
5
5-6
8-10
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT (TUESDAY): SQUAT
Hanging leg raise (with dumbbell) and squat
5
2-3
4-6
Seated or lying leg curl and leg extension
5
3-4
6-8
Seated toe raise and seated calf raise
5
5-6
6-8
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT
Hanging leg raise (with dumbbell) and deadlift
5
2-3
4-6
Leg raise and Romanian deadlift
5
5-6
6-8
Leg extension and seated or lying leg curl
5
3-4
6-8
Standing toe raise and standing calf raise
3
5-6
6-8
ECO Training Method
This method of training incorporates three different
types of exercises that all offer a distinct benefit
to build strength. The acronym ECO stands for
explosive exercise, closed-chain exercise, openchain exercise. Explosive exercises are plyometric,
or ballistic-type movements (discussed earlier in
ballistic strength training), such as the squat jump
and bench press throw. Closed-chain exercises are
those where your hands or feet remain stationary
and your body moves, such as squats, push-ups,
and pull-ups. Open-chain exercises are those
where the resistance is in your hands or at your
feet, such as leg extensions and most dumbbell
upper-body exercises. The ECO workout progresses
in that exact order—the explosive exercise is done
first, followed by the closed-chain exercise, and
finishing with the open-chain exercise.
You must do the explosive exercises first while
the muscle fibers are fresh. If the muscle fibers
are fatigued when you do them, they won’t be able
to contract as quickly and explosively. In addition,
because these moves are performed with such
quick movements, there could be a higher risk of
injury if you are fatigued. Explosive moves target
the fast-twitch muscle fibers. Gaining explosive
strength or power from these exercises translates
to greater strength on other exercises, such as the
squat and bench press. You will do no more than
three reps on the explosive exercises. The point is
to be explosive on all three sets of three reps, not
to tire the muscle. You will use a very light weight
(just your body weight or a weight with which you
can perform about 25 to 30 normal reps on the
exercise, or about 30 to 50 percent RM).
The closed-chain exercises force your body to
move while your hands or feet are stationary. These
types of exercises are great for building strength
in the muscle you are training. They also develop
functional strength because they require balance
and the use of stabilizers to move your body.
Because the only true closed-chain chest exercise
is the push-up, the bench press is substituted in
this ECO program. The problem with the push-up
is that it’s difficult to increase the resistance to
fall in the proper rep range of four to six. If you are
willing, however, you can do weighted push-ups by
having someone sit on your back or load plates on
your back, or you can do push-ups with the bar of
a Smith machine loaded on your back.
An open-chain exercise is anything that involves
holding the weight in your hands (dumbbell fly) or
having the weight at your feet (leg extension). In
the ECO program closed-chain exercises are used
as isolation exercises to focus the force onto the
221
Programs for Maximizing Strength
muscle of interest for enhancing muscle growth.
For the open-chain exercises, perform 8 to 10
reps per set.
The best split to use with the ECO program is
the upper- and lower-body training split as shown
in table 9.30. Follow the program for four weeks
and then return to your standard form of training.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.30 ECO-Friendly Strength Program
Muscle group
Chest
Shoulders
Triceps
Quadriceps
Calves
Abs
Chest
Back
Biceps
Quadriceps
Calves
Abs and core
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): BENCH PRESS AND PUSHING EXERCISES
Exercise
Sets
E: Power push-up
3
C: Bench press
3
O: Dumbbell fly
3
E: Overhead press throw (Smith machine)
3
C: Barbell shoulder press
3
O: Dumbbell lateral raise
3
E: Close-grip bench press throw
3
C: Dips
3
O: Skull crusher
3
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 1 (TUESDAY): SQUAT AND QUADRICEPS EXERCISES
E: Jump squat
3
C: Barbell squat
3
O: Leg extension and leg curl*
3
Standing calf raise
3
Standing crunch
3
UPPER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (THURSDAY): BENCH PRESS AND PULLING EXERCISES
E: Bench press throw (Smith machine)
3
C: Weighted push-up
3
O: Incline dumbbell fly
3
E: One-arm power row (Smith machine)
3
C: Pull-up
3
O: Straight-arm pulldown
3
E: Biceps curl throw
3
C: Close-grip chin-up
3
O: Incline dumbbell curl
3
LOWER-BODY WORKOUT 2 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT AND HAMSTRING EXERCISES
E: Dumbbell deadlift jump
3
C: Deadlift
3
O: Leg curl
3
Standing calf raise
3
Russian twist
3
*Perform as a superset.
Reps
3
4-6
8-10
3
4-6
8-10
3
4-6
8-10
3
4-6
8-10
8-10
8-10
3
4-6
8-10
3
4-6
8-10
3
4-6
8-10
3
4-6
8-10
8-10
12-15
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATE
TRAINING FREQUENCY
This section covers strength training methods that
modify the frequency of training. There are only
two programs covered here because few lifters
interested in training for strength view training
frequency as an important variable to cycle in
an effort to increase muscle strength. However,
changing the frequency of your training can have
a dramatic effect on gains in muscle strength. The
overreaching method and the up-and-down strength
method are two programs that are effective at
enhancing strength by manipulating the frequency
of training.
Overreaching Method
This program actually causes you to overtrain in
an effort to increase strength. The program design
is based on research investigating overtraining
in athletes. But the concept is not all that new.
It originated from training principles from the
Eastern Bloc countries. Overreaching is basically
overtraining without suffering from the negative
effects of overtraining. The trick is backing off at
the right time. The difference between overtraining
and overreaching is mainly time. Overtraining is a
more chronic situation. It’s not something that can
just happen in a couple of days; it may take two
to four weeks of training too heavily or too long
to become truly overtrained. By then hormonal
perturbations usually have surfaced and so will
the classic signs: fatigue, loss of appetite, lack of
strength, muscle loss, insomnia, and depression.
Overreaching is similar to overtraining in that
the training is the same. The difference is that
overreaching is for a short period and ends before
the catastrophic changes in your body’s physiology
have taken place. In other words, overreaching
is overtraining before the overtrained state is
reached. For four weeks you will train all muscle
groups five days per week. See table 9.31 for the
outline of the overreaching training split. You will
do three sets per exercise; each week the weight
increases and the reps decrease. The exception is
the Friday workout, where you train using maximal
effort (up to 100 percent RM) on the squat, bench
press, and deadlift. At the end of the four weeks,
you back off on the training frequency as well as
the weight and slow it down to training each muscle
group just once per week with a squat–bench
press–deadlift training split. During this back-off
phase your strength will increase dramatically. In
fact, in the study that the overreaching method is
based on, researchers discovered that after two
weeks on the back-off phase, the trained lifters
had increases in 1RM strength of more than 10
percent on both the bench press and squat.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.31 Overreaching for Strength
Exercise
Squat
Lunge
Bench press
Barbell shoulder press
Lat pulldown
Dumbbell curl
Lying triceps extension
Standing calf raise
Hanging leg raise
WEEKS 1-4
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
Sets
Reps Sets
Reps
Sets Reps
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
3
15-20
3
12-15
3
10-12
3
15-20
3
15-20
3
15-20
WEEK 4
Sets
Reps
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
8-10
3
15-20
Rest between
sets (minutes)
3
2
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
Exercise
Sets
Reps Sets
Reps
Sets Reps
Bench press
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
Deadlift
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
Leg press
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
Upright row
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
Barbell row
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
Barbell curl
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
Dips
3
10-12
3
8-10
3
6-8
Seated calf raise
3
15-20
3
12-15
3
10-12
Crunch
3
20
3
20
3
20
FRIDAY
Exercise
Sets
Follow this set, rep, and % 1RM scheme for the squat, bench
1
press, and deadlift
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
WEEKS 5-6
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Exercise
Sets
Squat
4
Leg press
3
Leg extension
3
Standing calf raise
3
Cable woodchopper
3
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
4
Incline dumbbell press
3
Barbell shoulder press
4
Close-grip bench press
4
Standing crunch
Deadlift
Good morning
Lying leg curl
Barbell row
Barbell curl
4
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
4
3
3
4
4
WEEK 4
Sets
Reps
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
4-6
3
8-10
3
20
Rest between
sets (minutes)
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
Reps
5
% 1RM
10%
5
5
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
95%
100%
Reps
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
20
% 1RM
75%
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
75%
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-10
75%
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Up-and-Down Strength Program
This six-week strength training program cycles
the training frequency every week by switching up
training splits. The program, shown in table 9.32,
starts with a whole-body strength training split,
which works each muscle group three times per
week. The second week switches to a push–pull
training split, which trains each muscle group twice
per week. The third week uses a squat–bench
press–deadlift training split, which trains each
muscle group once per week. At the fourth week
the cycle starts all over but the reps change from
about six to eight per set or 80 percent RM for the
major strength lifts to two or three reps or 95 percent RM for the major strength lifts. This program
works to increase strength by gradually increasing
the recovery time the muscles receive each week.
RATING
Time
Length
Difficulty
Results
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
TABLE 9.32 Strong Split
WEEK 1
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
Squat
4
6-8 with 80% RM
Leg press
3
6-8
Incline bench press
4
6-8
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
6-8
Barbell row
3
6-8
Stiff-leg deadlift
3
6-8
Close-grip bench press
3
6-8
Dumbbell curl
3
6-8
Hanging leg raise
3
10-12
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Bench press
4
6-8 with 80% RM
Dumbbell bench press
3
6-8
Barbell hack squat
3
6-8
Barbell shoulder press
3
6-8
Deadlift
3
6-8 with 80% RM
Dumbbell row
3
6-8
Triceps dip
3
6-8
Barbell curl
3
6-8
Cable woodchopper
3
20
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Deadlift
4
6-8 with 80% RM
One-arm dumbbell deadlift
3
6-8
Bench press
3
6-8
Upright row
3
6-8
Lat pulldown
3
8-10
Lying triceps extension
3
6-8
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS (continued)
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
Preacher curl
3
6-8
Back extension
3
15-20
WEEK 2
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY): PUSH
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
Squat*
4
6-8 with 80% RM
Leg press
3
6-8
Leg extension
3
6-8
Bench press*
4
6-8 with 80% RM
Incline dumbbell press
3
6-8
Dumbbell shoulder press
4
6-8
Close-grip bench press
4
6-8
Standing calf raise
4
8-10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY): PULL
Deadlift
4
6-8 with 80% RM
Lying leg curl
3
6-8
Barbell row
4
6-8
Lat pulldown
3
6-8
Barbell curl
4
6-8
Weighted crunch
4
8-10
WEEK 3
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
Squat
4
6-8 with 80% RM
Leg press
3
6-8
Leg extension
3
6-8
Standing calf raise
3
12-15
Cable woodchopper
3
12
WEEK 3 (continued)
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
Bench press
4
6-8 with 80%
Incline dumbbell press
3
6-8
Barbell shoulder press
4
6-8
Close-grip bench press
4
6-8
Standing crunch
4
8-10
WORKOUT (FRIDAY) 3: DEADLIFT DAY
Deadlift
4
6-8 with 80% RM
Good morning
3
6-8
Lying leg curl
3
6-8
Barbell row
4
6-8
Barbell curl
4
6-8
WEEK 4
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
Squat
4
2-3 with 95% RM
Leg press
3
2-3
Incline bench press
4
2-3
Dumbbell shoulder press
3
2-3
Barbell row
3
2-3
Stiff-leg deadlift
3
4-6
Close-grip bench press
3
2-3
Dumbbell curl
3
4-6
Hanging leg raise
3
12-15
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
Bench press
4
2-3 with 95% RM
Dumbbell bench press
3
2-3
Barbell hack squat
3
2-3
Barbell shoulder press
3
2-3
Deadlift
3
2-3 with 95% RM
Dumbbell row
3
2-3
Triceps dip
3
4-6
Barbell curl
3
4-6
Cable woodchopper
3
25
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
Deadlift
4
2-3 with 95% RM
One-arm dumbbell
3
2-3
deadlift
Bench press
3
2-3
Upright row
3
4-6
Lat pulldown
3
4-6
Lying triceps extension
3
4-6
WEEK 4 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS (continued)
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
Preacher curl
3
4-6
Back extension
3
15-20
WEEK 5
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY AND THURSDAY): PUSH
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
*
4
2-3 with 95% RM
Squat
Leg press
3
2-3
Leg extension
3
4-6
*
4
2-3 with 95% RM
Bench press
Incline dumbbell press
3
2-3
Dumbbell shoulder press
4
2-3
Close-grip bench press
4
2-3
Standing calf raise
4
6-8
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY AND FRIDAY): PULL
Deadlift
4
2-3 with 95% RM
Lying leg curl
3
4-6
Barbell row
4
2-3
Lat pulldown
3
4-6
Barbell curl
4
4-6
Weighted crunch
4
6-8
WEEK 6
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT DAY
Exercise
Sets
% 1RM or reps
Squat
4
2-3 with 95% RM
Leg press
3
2-3
Leg extension
3
4-6
Standing calf raise
3
10-12
Cable woodchopper
3
15
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS DAY
Bench press
4
2-3 with 95% RM
Incline dumbbell press
3
2-3
Barbell shoulder press
4
2-3
Close-grip bench press
4
2-3
Standing crunch
4
6-8
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT DAY
Deadlift
4
2-3 with 95% RM
Good morning
3
2-3
Lying leg curl
3
4-6
Barbell row
4
2-3
Barbell curl
4
4-6
*
Thursday perform bench press and incline dumbbell press before
squat.
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CHAPTER 10
Training Cycles for Gaining
Maximal Strength
The fundamentals of strength training covered
in part I will help you understand how to design
effective strength training programs. This chapter
is designed to help you take the information you
have learned from chapter 8 (basic program design
for training programs that build maximal strength)
and chapter 9 (advanced training techniques) and
put it together to build a long-term training program
that works to continually build strength.
This chapter starts by teaching you how to test
your 1RM. Regardless of your training level, you
need to assess your strength level accurately for
best results from your training. The first training
program offered in this chapter is a beginner
program. If you have little experience in strength
training, this program will enable you to take on
the basic strength programs that are most effective for gaining strength. Once you have followed
a strength training program consistently for at
least six months, you are ready to take on an
effective program based on the splits discussed
in chapter 8. If you are at the intermediate level,
these programs use the percentage method of
training. This is a training system that gradually
increases the weight used by a percentage of
the 1RM.
Advanced lifters, those with over a year of
strength training experience, can begin using the
methods and techniques covered in chapter 9. One
cycle found in the following section is an advanced
program that alters these techniques throughout
the different phases. Finally, if you are interested
in increasing your strength in one lift, you can refer
to the sections that focus on just one lift.
TESTING ONE-REPETITION
MAXIMUM
Regardless of where they are starting from, all lifters interested in training to build maximal strength
have one goal in common—more strength! With the
exception of powerlifters, who commonly test their
1RM strength in competition, most lifters do not
routinely test their strength by maxing out. Maxing
out, a slang term, means to test your strength
by seeing how much weight you can lift for one
ultimate rep on an exercise (usually on the three
strength moves: bench press, squat, and deadlift).
Anyone who is interested in developing muscle
strength needs to routinely test 1RM strength on
the bench press, squat, and deadlift.
Assessing your strength on the bench press,
squat, and deadlift is important for several reasons. Because the bench press represents upperbody strength, the squat represents lower-body
strength, and the deadlift represents whole-body
strength, knowing your maximal strength on each
of these lifts will give you an indication of your overall body strength as well as indicate any strength
imbalances you may have. Norms have been established that indicate how strong a person should be
on each of these lifts. For strength norms relative
to body weight, refer to table 10.1. Testing your
1RM on the bench press, squat, and deadlift and
comparing your relative strength on each to the
established norms will indicate how your strength
levels compare to the strength levels of others.
You can do this by dividing your 1RM in pounds
227
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
on each lift by your body weight in pounds. For
example, if your bench press 1RM is 300 pounds
and you weigh 150 pounds (68 kilograms), your
relative strength on the bench press is 2. The
Balanced Strength box provides a ratio of squat
to deadlift to bench press strength. Comparing
your own 1RM strength ratios of these three lifts
can indicate whether you have balanced strength
or whether you are particularly weak or strong
on a particular lift. Knowing whether you have an
imbalance can help you tailor your training to work
toward improving the weaker lifts.
Another important reason to assess your 1RM
strength on the bench press, squat, and deadlift
is to determine the training weights that will correspond to each phase of your strength training
program. When training for strength, you will train
using a percentage of your 1RM on the major
lifts—such as 85 percent of the 1RM or 85 percent
RM. The only way to know how much weight you
should train with is to know how much your 1RM
is. For example, if your current 1RM on the squat
is 400 pounds and you are in a training phase that
requires 85 percent RM, then you should train with
340 pounds on the squat. This requires frequent
retesting because your strength will increase while
you are training with effective strength programs.
You should plan on testing your 1RM about once
every four to six weeks to keep your training
weights accurate with your current level of strength.
Last and most obvious, it’s important to test
your 1RM strength to assess the effectiveness
of each program you use in your strength training
TABLE 10.1 Relative Strength
Values listed as “good” represent 1RM that is greater
than the general population. Values listed as “excellent”
represent observed 1RM values for advanced lifters.
Values listed as “elite” represent observed 1RM values
for competitive-level powerlifters.
Rating
Male
Female
BENCH PRESS
Good
>1.25 × body weight >0.8 × body weight
Excellent ≥1.75 × body weight 1 × body weight
Elite
≥2 × body weight
≥1.25 × body weight
SQUAT
Good
>2 × body weight
>1.5 × body weight
Excellent ≥2.5 × body weight
Elite
≥3 × body weight
≥2 × body weight
≥2.5 × body weight
DEADLIFT
Good
≥2 × body weight
Excellent ≥2.5 × body weight
Elite
≥3 × body weight
≥1.5 × body weight
≥2 × body weight
≥2.5 × body weight
regimen. Knowing your 1RM for the bench press,
squat, and deadlift (or any other exercise you want
to increase your strength on) before you start a
program and after you finish it is the only way to
determine how effective a strength training program is and whether you should consider using
the same program in the future.
To test your maximal strength on an exercise,
you must have a capable spotter to assist you,
Balanced Strength
Here I list the suggested ratio of bench press to squat to deadlift 1RM weight. This can be used to
determine whether your upper-body, lower-body, and overall strength are balanced. Having a ratio on
a lift that is much higher or lower than the suggested ratios would indicate areas in which you should
work on bringing your strength up to par with the others.
A balanced ratio of bench to squat to deadlift is 1:1.5:1.5.*
For example, if your bench press is 300 pounds, your squat is 450 pounds, and your deadlift is
425 pounds (300:450:425), your ratio would be 1:1.5:1.4.
This would suggest your strength in these three lifts is balanced.
If your bench press is 300 pounds, your squat is 700 pounds, and your deadlift is 650 pounds
(300:700:650), your ratio would be 1:2.33:2.17.
This would suggest your strength on the bench press is well below your squat and deadlift strength.
This means your training should focus on bringing up your bench press and upper-body strength.
*In practice the weight for the deadlift tends to be slightly less than the weight for the squat.
Training Cycles for Gaining Maximal Strength
because to determine a true 1RM, you must reach
muscle failure. The first step to testing your 1RM
is to do several light warm-up sets starting with
the bar itself and gradually move up in weight
over those several sets until you are close to your
true 1RM weight. Rest three minutes after your
final warm-up before testing your 1RM. Estimate
a conservative 1RM weight and try it for one rep.
Rest three to four minutes before making another
attempt. If you failed on the second attempt, subtract 5 to 10 pounds and try again. If you were
successful on the attempt, add 5 to 10 pounds
and try another attempt. Keep doing this, resting
three to four minutes between sets until you fail
an attempt. The weight you lifted on the prior set
is your true 1RM.
Although not considered nearly as accurate, it
is possible to estimate your 1RM without doing a
true 1RM test. There are several equations that
you can use to estimate 1RM based on how many
reps you can complete with a certain amount of
weight. This is a good option if you have an injury
that could be worsened by training with extremely
heavy weight or if you want to avoid doing a true
1RM for whatever reason. The most commonly
used equation is the Epley formula, also known
as the Nebraska formula:
1RM = [1 + (0.0333 × reps completed)]
× weight lifted
Using this equation, if you completed 10 reps
on the bench press with 225 pounds, then
1RM = [1 + (0.0333 × 10)] × 225 pounds
1RM = 1.333 × 225 pounds
1RM = 300 pounds
After estimating your 1RM with the Nebraska
formula, use that weight to determine your relative
strength, your training weight, or how much progress
you have made with a particular strength program.
BEGINNER OVERALL
STRENGTH PROGRAM
If you have more than six months of consistent
lifting experience, you can take on the majority of
basic strength training programs that are designed
to build maximal strength. The reason is that most
programs for developing maximal strength start
229
with lighter weight and higher reps and gradually
increase the weight and decrease the reps performed. This systematic progression can prepare
you to hoist heavy weights. However, if you have
less than six months of experience, you are a
special case because of the immaturity of your
nervous system in regard to the specific exercises
that you perform in your training regimen. Any time
the body learns a new movement pattern—such
as the barbell squat—it requires time for nerve
connections to be strengthened and muscle fiber
contractions to be synchronized. These adaptations of the nervous system can have a dramatic
effect on strength gains in a short period of time.
It is these adaptations that make up the majority of
the strength gains that beginners make. Therefore,
you should design a beginner strength training
program to enhance these adaptations.
To enhance the neural adaptations that you
need as a beginning lifter, this program emphasizes repetition—that is in the number of reps performed per set and the frequency of training. The
training split used is a whole-body strength training
split done on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or
any three days per week allowing one full day of
rest between workouts (see table 10.2). In each
workout a different strength exercise is emphasized and performed as the first exercise of the
workout. Training the same exercises three times
per week helps the nervous system to “learn” the
movement patterns of the exercise, strengthening
the nerve connections that are required. During the
first three months of the program, the assistance
exercises stay the same for every workout (except
for abdominal and core exercises). In the last three
months, the assistance exercises are switched
up in each workout to provide better variety in an
effort to stimulate different muscle fibers, which
may help to enhance strength on the three lifts.
The repetitions start out very high (20 per set
for the first four weeks) and progressively drop
every four weeks as the weight increases. This first
four-week phase starts with weights equal to 55
percent RM on most lifts. This is a great starting
weight if you are unaccustomed to doing particular
exercises. The high reps further enhance the nerve
connections and synchronicity of muscle fiber contractions that you need to develop to perform the
exercises with correct form and maximal force. Sets
start out at three per exercise for all exercises for
the first three months. During the fourth and fifth
months, you will perform all exercises for four sets.
TABLE 10.2 Beginnings of Strength
Exercise
Squat
Bench press
Barbell shoulder press
Deadlift
Barbell row
Close-grip bench press
Barbell curl
Hanging leg raise
Bench press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Deadlift
Barbell row
Close-grip bench press
Barbell curl
Cable woodchopper
Deadlift
One-arm dumbbell deadlift
Bench press
Upright row
Lat pulldown
Lying triceps extension
Preacher curl
Back extension
Exercise
Squat
Leg press
Bench press
Dumbbell shoulder press
Barbell row
Deadlift
Close-grip bench press
Dumbbell curl
Standing crunch
230
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
WEEKS 1-4
WEEKS 5-8
Sets Reps
Weight
Sets Reps
Weight
3
20
55% RM
3
15
65% RM
3
20
55% RM
3
15
65% RM
3
20
3
15
3
20
55% RM
3
15
65% RM
3
20
3
15
3
20
3
15
3
20
3
15
3
12
3
15
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
3
20
55% RM
3
15
65% RM
3
20
55% RM
3
15
65% RM
3
20
3
15
3
20
55% RM
3
15
65% RM
3
20
3
15
3
20
3
15
3
20
3
15
3
12
3
15
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
3
20
55% RM
3
15
65% RM
3
20
3
15
3
20
55% RM
3
15
65% RM
3
20
3
15
3
20
3
15
3
20
3
15
3
20
3
15
3
12
3
15
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): SQUAT FOCUS
WEEKS 13-16
WEEKS 17-20
Sets Reps
Weight
Sets Reps
Weight
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
4
8
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
4
8
4
12
4
10
WEEKS 9-12
Sets Reps
Weight
3
12
70% RM
3
12
70% RM
3
12
3
12
70% RM
3
12
3
12
3
12
3
15-20
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
15-20
70% RM
70% RM
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
15-20
70% RM
Sets
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
70% RM
70% RM
WEEKS 21-24
Reps
Weight
6
85% RM
6
6
85% RM
6
6
6
85% RM
6
6
8
231
Training Cycles for Gaining Maximal Strength
Exercise
Bench press
Incline dumbbell press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Deadlift
Dumbbell row
Triceps dip
Barbell curl
Russian twist
Deadlift
One-arm dumbbell deadlift
Bench press
Upright row
Lat pulldown
Squat
Lying triceps extension
Preacher curl
Good morning
WORKOUT 2 (WEDNESDAY): BENCH PRESS FOCUS
WEEKS 13-16
WEEKS 17-20
Sets Reps
Weight
Sets Reps
Weight
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
4
8
4
10
4
8
4
12
4
15
WORKOUT 3 (FRIDAY): DEADLIFT FOCUS
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
4
8
4
10
75% RM
4
8
80% RM
4
10
4
8
4
10
4
8
4
10
4
8
Then in the last month, you will bump up the sets
to five on the three major lifts—but just on the
workout in which you perform that exercise first. In
the other workouts, sets remain at four. During the
second phase the weight increases to 65 percent
RM and reps drop to 15 per set. The third phase
increases weight to 70 percent RM and drops reps
to 12 per set. In phase 4, weight increases to 75
percent RM and reps are 10 per set. Phase 5 uses
weights that are 80 percent RM for reps of 8 per
set. In the final four weeks, weights are increased
to 85 percent RM as reps drop down to 6 per set.
During this program 1RM testing should take
place during the last week of each phase. Each of
the three exercises will be tested on the workout
in which you perform them first. After testing for
the 1RM on that exercise, finish with three sets of
that exercise with the prescribed weight and rep
scheme for that phase. At the end of this six-month
program, you are ready to progress to any of the
other training programs discussed in this chapter.
However, you should pick up with the intermediate
strength training cycles.
Sets
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
WEEKS 21-24
Reps
Weight
6
85% RM
6
6
85% RM
6
6
85% RM
6
6
6
15-20
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
85% RM
85% RM
85% RM
INTERMEDIATE STRENGTH
TRAINING CYCLES
Once you have been training consistently for more
than six months, you are ready to take on most of
the basic strength programs that follow a sound progression of increases in weight. Most strength programs follow some form of gradually increasing the
percent RM used for training. This method is known
as the percentage method of training and is the most
commonly used method for increasing strength. The
major differences between most training programs
for developing strength involve the training split, the
length of the program, the starting percent RM, and
the finishing percent RM. The three training cycles
that follow do not provide exercise choices. They list
only the time line, the number of sets per exercise,
the number of reps per set, the working weight (as
percent RM), and the rest allowed between sets.
Choose any training split provided in chapter 8 (to
provide exercise choices and order as well as workouts per week) and apply it to these cycles.
232
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Small-Step Cycle
Countdown Cycle
You can use this 20-week basic periodized scheme
with any training split. It follows the classical periodization format but increases the weight in very
small increments each week—usually just 2 to 3
percent of the 1RM. See table 10.3 for the details
of the small-step cycle. Depending on the weight
of your 1RM, these increments may be as small
as 2.5 pounds (the smallest increment available
with weight plates) or as high as 25 pounds (for
elite powerlifters with lifts up to 800 pounds).
This constant and small increase in weight used
each week is often referred to as microloading. It
is believed that constantly challenging the muscle
with progressively heavier weights forces the muscles to adapt by increasing their capacity to produce
force (that is, muscle strength). This follows the
principle of progressive overload. In addition to the
prescribed percent RM used each week, this cycle
has scheduled retesting of the 1RM. This allows
for fine-tuning of the percent RM as the 1RM will
increase over the course of the training cycle.
Although all the basic strength training programs
have some form of gradual progression where the
reps performed at each workout decrease over
time, the countdown cycle uses a corresponding
system that matches sets, reps, and weeks that
each phase is followed in a 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 countdown progression. See table 10.4 for the weekly
progression of the countdown cycle. To expand on
this, the first phase lasts six weeks and uses six
sets of six reps for each exercise. The next phase
lasts five weeks and uses five sets of five reps.
This pattern continues with each phase dropping
one week, one set, and one rep until the final week,
where one set of one maximal rep is performed
for each exercise. As with all the basic percentage
method strength programs, this works well with
any split discussed in chapter 8.
TABLE 10.3 Small Steps to Strength
Week
1*
2
3
4
5*
6
7
8
9*
10
11
12
13*
14
15
16
17*
18
19
20*
HYPERTROPHY PHASE
Rest
Weight
(% RM)
(minutes)
Sets
Reps
5
15
55%
1-2
4
15
57%
1-2
3
12
60%
1-2
3
12
62%
1-2
3
10
65%
1-2
STRENGTH PHASE
5
10
67%
2
5
8
70%
2
4
8
73%
2
4
7
75%
2
3
6
77%
2
POWER PHASE
3
6
80%
3
3
4
82%
3
3
4
85%
3
3
3
87%
3
PEAKING CYCLE
3
3
90%
4
2
2
92%
4
2
1
95%
5
2
1
97%
5
Off or active rest
Competition or testing of 1RM
*1RM test week.
TABLE 10.4 Strength Countdown
Week
1*
2
3
4
5*
6
Sets
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
8
9*
10
11
5
5
5
5
5
12
13*
14
15
4
4
4
4
16
17*
18
3
3
3
19
20
2
2
21*
1
*1RM test week.
PHASE 6
Weight
Reps
(% RM)
6
55%
6
55%
6
55%
6
60%
6
60%
6
60%
PHASE 5
5
65%
5
65%
5
65%
5
70%
5
70%
PHASE 4
4
75%
4
75%
4
80%
4
80%
PHASE 3
3
85%
3
85%
3
85%
PHASE 2
2
90%
2
95%
PHASE 1
1
100%
Rest
(minutes)
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
233
Training Cycles for Gaining Maximal Strength
9 to 5 Cycle
One-Year-Plus Intermediate Program
This training cycle is simple in that it uses two
rep ranges—nine reps per set and five reps per
set. This is great for those who like to keep rep
ranges fairly constant. However, training weights
do change each week over the 15-week program
while the reps are kept constant throughout each
of the two phases. As the weight increases, the
number of sets decreases and rest between sets
increases. See table 10.5 for the specifics of the
9 to 5 cycle. Weight increments are small, similar
to the small-step cycle, but this one stops at 85
percent and doesn’t go higher. Many believe that
going much higher isn’t necessary for building
maximal strength.
If you are an intermediate lifter you should consider following the previous cycles in the order
presented—starting with the small-step cycle,
following with the countdown cycle, and finishing
with the 9 to 5 cycle. This will carry you through
over 55 weeks—just over a solid year—of wellplanned strength training. With the conclusion
of this year plan you will be ready to progress
into more advanced training cycles. One great
advanced training cycle to follow the 9 to 5 cycle
that concludes the year of intermediate training
cycles is the 85-plus strength cycle found in the
advanced training cycles section that follows. See
table 10.6 for a sample training cycle progression
that puts you in the rank of advanced weightlifter.
TABLE 10.5 Getting Strong 9 to 5
Week
1*
2
3
4
5*
6
7
8
9*
10
11
12*
13
14
15
16*
PHASE 1: 9 REPS
Weight
Sets
Reps
(% RM)
8
9
50%
8
9
53%
8
9
55%
7
9
57%
7
9
60%
7
9
62%
6
9
65%
6
9
67%
6
9
70%
5
9
73%
PHASE 2: 5 REPS
5
5
75%
4
5
77%
4
5
80%
3
5
82%
3
5
85%
1RM test
*1RM test week.
TABLE 10.6 Strength Calendar
Rest
(minutes)
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
Weeks Cycle
1-20 Small-step cycle
21
Active rest
22-43 Countdown cycle
44
Active rest
45-60 9 to 5 cycle
61
Active rest
62-
Notes
Stay out of gym but take
up other activities
Stay out of gym but take
up other activities
Stay out of gym but take
up other activities
85-plus strength
ADVANCED STRENGTH
TRAINING CYCLES
The cycles that follow are advanced in the sense
that they require greater skill and training experience in order to be used safely and properly. These
programs are considered advanced for several
reasons—they may start off at a heavier weight or
they may require the use of advanced techniques.
This does not imply that the training cycles covered in the basic strength training cycles are not
useful for advanced weightlifters. Those programs
may be basic in their progression; however, many
elite competitive powerlifters use them. These
advanced programs are designed for the advanced
trainer who has a more difficult time continuing to
make large strength gains, since basic programs
may not always do the trick.
234
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
85-Plus Strength Cycle
Unlike the intermediate programs, which all start
with very light weight in the 50 to 60 percent RM
range, this program starts off at 85 percent RM
and progressively builds up to 95 percent RM.
This is depicted in table 10.7. It also increases
the reps as time progresses with each percent
RM. This is good for more advanced trainers or as
a second leg to a previous program that started
with a lighter phase. The 9 to 5 cycle, for instance,
is a good cycle to use before this cycle. Another
advanced technique that this cycle uses is negative-rep training. However, instead of doing it at the
beginning of the working sets for bench press and
squat, you would do these as the final working set
for each major lift on working days.
TABLE 10.7 85-Plus Strength
Day
1
3
5
8
10
12
Exercise
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Bench press
Standing calf raise
Bench press
Dumbbell bench press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Deadlift
Good morning
Lying leg curl
Standing crunch
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Bench press
Standing calf raise
Bench press
Dumbbell bench press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Deadlift
Good morning
Lying leg curl
Standing crunch
*1RM test week.
WEEK 1*
Sets
5
1
3
3
5
3
5
1
3
5
3
3
5
3
3
3
WEEK 2
5
1
3
3
5
3
5
1
3
5
3
3
5
3
3
3
Reps
3
3
3
3
2
6
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
6
Weight (% RM)
85%
120% (negative set)
4
3
4
4
2
8
4
3
4
2
4
4
4
4
4
8
85%
120% (negative set)
80%
85%
120% (negative set)
80%
85%
80%
85%
120% (negative set)
80%
85%
Day
15
Exercise
Squat
17
Leg press
Leg extension
Bench press
Standing calf raise
Bench press
19
Dumbbell bench press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Deadlift
Good morning
Lying leg curl
Standing crunch
22
Squat
24
Leg press
Leg extension
Bench press
Standing calf raise
Bench press
26
29
Dumbbell bench press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Deadlift
Good morning
Lying leg curl
Standing crunch
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Bench press
Standing calf raise
*1RM test week.
WEEK 3
Sets
5
1
3
3
5
3
5
1
3
5
3
3
5
3
3
3
WEEK 4
5
1
3
3
5
3
5
1
3
5
3
3
5
3
3
3
WEEK 5*
3
1
3
3
5
3
Reps
5
3
5
5
2
10
5
3
5
2
5
5
5
5
5
10
6
3
6
6
2
12
6
3
6
2
6
6
6
6
6
12
2
3
3
3
2
6
Weight (% RM)
85%
120% (negative set)
80%
85%
120% (negative set)
80%
85%
85%
120% (negative set)
80%
85%
120% (negative set)
80%
85%
90%
120% (negative set)
80%
> continued
235
TABLE 10.7
Day
31
33
85-Plus Strength (continued)
Exercise
Bench press
Dumbbell bench press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Deadlift
Good morning
Lying leg curl
Standing crunch
36
Squat
38
Leg press
Leg extension
Bench press
Standing calf raise
Bench press
40
Dumbbell bench press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Deadlift
Good morning
Lying leg curl
Standing crunch
43
Squat
45
Leg press
Leg extension
Bench press
Standing calf raise
Bench press
Dumbbell bench press
Squat
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
*1RM test week.
236
WEEK 5* (continued)
Sets
Reps
3
2
1
3
3
3
5
2
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
6
WEEK 6
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
3
5
2
3
6
3
3
1
3
3
3
5
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
6
WEEK 7
3
4
1
3
3
4
3
4
5
2
3
8
3
4
1
3
3
3
5
2
3
4
3
4
Weight (% RM)
90%
120% (negative set)
80%
90%
90%
120% (negative set)
80%
90%
120% (negative set)
80%
90%
90%
120% (negative set)
80%
90%
120% (negative set)
80%
237
Training Cycles for Gaining Maximal Strength
WEEK 7 (continued)
Day
Exercise
Sets
Reps
47
Deadlift
3
4
Good morning
3
4
Lying leg curl
3
4
Standing crunch
3
8
WEEK 8
No assistance exercises are performed from here out, just the major lifts.
50
Squat
3
2
1
3
Bench press
5
2
52
Bench press
3
2
1
3
Squat
5
2
54
Deadlift
3
2
WEEK 9*
62
Squat
1
1
Bench press
1
1
Deadlift
1
1
Weight (% RM)
90%
95%
120% (negative set)
80%
95%
120% (negative set)
80%
95%
100%
100%
100%
*1RM test week.
Advanced Six Cycle
For some advanced weightlifters, strength gains
no longer come easily. After all, the longer you
train, the stronger you get; the stronger you get,
the harder it is to get stronger. This is because
trained lifters with greater strength are close to
reaching the height of their genetic strength ceiling.
This advanced program is designed to encourage
strength gains in even the most seasoned lifter. In
each of the six phases, the cycle uses an advanced
training technique to encourage strength gains.
The constant cycling of weight and reps, along
with the specialized training techniques, prevents
stagnation and promotes continual strength gains
throughout the eight-month cycle.
This cycle uses a squat–bench press–deadlift
training split that is meshed with a push–pull
training split. That is, the workouts are divided into
three separate workouts—squat, bench press, and
deadlift with upper-body pushing exercises (shoulders and triceps exercises) done with the bench
press day and the upper-body pulling exercises
(back and biceps exercises) done with the deadlift
day. For variety, each phase alters the order of
the training split. See table 10.8, Advanced Six,
for details.
During the first phase (weeks 1 to 5), the training technique used is density training. This will
increase the amount of weight you can perform 10
reps with on the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
This will carry over into greater strength on the 1RM
for each of these lifts as well. This will be apparent
when you test your 1RM in week 6. That is the only
gym workout you will do in week 6.
In phase 2 (weeks 7 to 9), the training days are
reorganized so that the deadlift day is first and the
squat day is last. The bench press workout still is
left in the middle to separate the two workouts that
both use lower-body muscles to allow for better
recovery. You will do working sets with 80 percent
RM—however, this will be heavier than you could
previously lift because of the boost in strength from
the density training. The technique for this phase is
forced-rep training. This is a mass-training technique
covered in chapter 6. The reason it is included here
in a strength cycle is to encourage some growth
in muscle fibers—which can lend itself to greater
force production and therefore muscle strength. In
addition, the procedure of forcing extra reps can
lead to direct increases in muscle strength. This
phase lasts just three weeks because of the high
intensity of the forced-rep training.
238
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Phase 3 (weeks 11 to 17) starts off using
about 80 to 85 percent RM or a weight you can
do for four sets of six reps. This will kick off the 5
percent method that will carry this phase through
the next seven weeks. Use the 5 percent method
for each major lift and one assistance exercise
that mimics the lift. In phase 4 (weeks 19 to 22)
you will use a static contraction technique that
calls on potentiation to enhance muscle strength
on the second set. You will do working sets with
90 percent RM. Phase 5 (weeks 24 to 27) uses
another potentiation technique known to boost
your power on the three lifts. For each strength
exercise (squat, deadlift, and bench press), you
will perform one rep with 95 percent of your 1RM
weight as quickly as possible. Rest for three
minutes and downshift to 50 percent of your
1RM weight and perform five reps as explosively
as possible. Repeat this three times to develop
explosive strength. The final phase is yet another
potentiation program. This is basically the reverse
of the technique of the previous phase because it
uses explosive movements to enhance maximal
strength. At the climax of this program your 1RM
on all three moves will be dramatically enhanced.
Follow this final phase with one or two weeks of
active rest before starting the cycle over or moving
on to a new strength training cycle.
TABLE 10.8 Advanced Six
Exercise
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Leg curl
Standing calf raise
Bench press
Incline dumbbell press
Flat dumbbell press
Barbell shoulder press
Lying triceps extensions
Hanging leg raise
Deadlift
Sets
10
6
5
4
3
3
3
3
4
10
6
5
4
3
2
2
3
3
4
10
6
5
4
3
PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-5
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
Reps
%1RM
Notes
2 (week 1)
80%
Follow the density training method found in
chapter 9 for a goal of 10 reps.
3 (week 2)
4 (week 3)
5 (week 4)
6 (week 5)
10
10
10
20
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
2 (week 1)
80%
Follow the density training method found in
chapter 9 for a goal of 10 reps.
3 (week 2)
4 (week 3)
5 (week 4)
6 (week 5)
10
Perform the last set of each exercise to
muscle failure.
10
10
10
12-15
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL
2 (week 1)
80%
Follow the density training method found in
chapter 9 for a goal of 10 reps.
3 (week 2)
4 (week 3)
5 (week 4)
6 (week 5)
PHASE 1: WEEKS 1-5 (continued)
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL (continued)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
%1RM
Notes
Barbell row
2
10
Perform the last set of each exercise to
muscle failure.
Lat pulldown
2
10
Barbell curl
3
10
Standing cable crunch
3
12
PHASE 1: WEEK 6
WORKOUT 1: PERFORM MID- TO LATE WEEK
Test your 1RM on the squat, bench press, and deadlift in that order.
PHASE 2: WEEKS 7-9
WORKOUT 1: DEADLIFT AND PULL
Exercise
Sets
Reps
%1RM
Notes
Deadlift
5
8
80%
For the last set of each exercise, perform
forced reps where you perform 2 or 3 reps
Pull-up
3
8
with the assistance of a spotter or a training
Barbell row
3
8
partner after you reach failure. The exception
Barbell curl
3
8
is ab exercises.
Reverse crunch
3
12-15
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
Bench press
5
8
80%
Incline dumbbell press
3
8
Dumbbell shoulder
2
8
press
Lateral raise
2
8
Seated overhead
2
8
triceps extension
Dip
3
8
Cable crunch
3
12-15
WORKOUT 3: SQUAT
Squat
5
8
80%
Leg press
2
8
Leg extension
2
8
Leg curl
2
8
Leg press calf raise
3
15-20
PHASE 2: WEEK 10
WORKOUT 1: PERFORM MID- TO LATE WEEK
Test your 1RM on the squat, bench press, and deadlift in that order.
PHASE 3: WEEK 11
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
Exercise
Sets
Reps
%1RM
Notes
Squat
4
6
~80-85%
Leg press
4
6
~80-85%
Leg extension
3
6
Leg curl
3
6
Standing calf raise
3
15-20
> continued
239
TABLE 10.8
Advanced Six (continued)
Exercise
Bench press
Incline bench press
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Weighted crunch
Sets
4
4
3
3
3
Deadlift
Romanian deadlift
Barbell row
Barbell curl
Reverse crunch
4
4
3
3
3
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Leg curl
Standing calf raise
4
4
3
3
3
Bench press
Incline bench press
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Weighted crunch
4
4
3
3
3
Deadlift
Romanian deadlift
Barbell row
Barbell curl
Reverse crunch
4
4
3
3
3
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Leg curl
Seated calf raise
4
4
3
3
3
Bench press
Incline bench press
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Cable crunch
4
4
3
3
3
240
PHASE 3: WEEK 11 (continued)
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
Reps
% 1RM
Notes
6
~80-85%
6
~80-85%
6
6
12-15
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL
6
~80-85%
6
~80-85%
6
6
12-15
PHASE 3: WEEK 12
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
5
~80-85% + 5%
5
~80-85% + 5%
5
5
15-20
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
5
~80-85% + 5%
5
~80-85% + 5%
5
5
12-15
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL
5
~80-85% + 5%
5
~80-85% + 5%
5
5
12-15
PHASE 3: WEEK 13
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
4
~80-85% + 10%
4
~80-85% + 10%
4
4
20
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
4
~80-85% + 10%
4
~80-85% + 10%
4
4
10
Exercise
Deadlift
Romanian deadlift
Barbell row
Barbell curl
Russian twist
Sets
4
4
3
3
3
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Leg curl
Seated calf raise
4
4
3
3
3
Bench press
Incline bench press
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Cable crunch
4
4
3
3
3
Deadlift
Romanian deadlift
Barbell row
Barbell curl
Russian twist
4
4
3
3
3
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Leg curl
Leg press calf raise
4
4
3
3
3
Bench press
Incline bench press
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Cable crunch
4
4
3
3
3
Deadlift
Romanian deadlift
Barbell row
Barbell curl
Dumbbell woodchopper
4
4
3
3
3
PHASE 3: WEEK 13 (continued)
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL
Reps
% 1RM
Notes
4
~80-85% + 10%
4
~80-85% + 10%
4
4
12-15
PHASE 3: WEEK 14
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
6
~80-85% + 5%
6
~80-85% + 5%
6
6
25
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
6
~80-85% + 5%
6
~80-85% + 5%
6
6
12
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL
6
~80-85% + 5%
6
~80-85% + 5%
6
6
12-15
PHASE 3: WEEK 15
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
5
~80-85% + 10%
5
~80-85% + 10%
5
5
12
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
5
~80-85% + 10%
5
~80-85% + 10%
5
5
15
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL
5
~80-85% + 10%
5
~80-85% + 10%
5
5
12-15
> continued
241
TABLE 10.8
Advanced Six (continued)
Exercise
Squat
Leg press
Leg extension
Leg curl
Seated calf raise
Reps
4
4
4
4
25
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
Bench press
4
4
~80-85% + 15%
Incline bench press
4
4
~80-85% + 15%
Barbell shoulder press
3
4
Close-grip bench press
3
4
Cable crunch
3
12
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL
Deadlift
4
4
~80-85% + 15%
Romanian deadlift
4
4
~80-85% + 15%
Barbell row
3
4
Barbell curl
3
4
Russian twist
3
12-15
PHASE 3: WEEK 17
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
Squat
4
6
~80-85% + 10%
Leg press
4
6
~80-85% + 10%
Leg extension
3
6
Leg curl
3
6
Standing calf raise
3
15-20
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
Bench press
4
6
~80-85% + 10%
Incline bench press
4
6
~80-85% + 10%
Barbell shoulder press
3
6
Close-grip bench press
3
6
Weighted crunch
3
12-15
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT AND PULL
Deadlift
4
6
~80-85% + 10%
Romanian deadlift
4
6
~80-85% + 10%
Barbell row
3
6
Barbell curl
3
6
Reverse crunch
3
12-15
PHASE 3: WEEK 18
WORKOUT 1: PERFORM MID- TO LATE WEEK
Test your 1RM on the squat, bench press, and deadlift in that order.
242
Sets
4
4
3
3
3
PHASE 3: WEEK 16
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
% 1RM
Notes
~80-85% + 15%
~80-85% + 15%
Exercise
Static-drive deadlift
Alternated with heavy
deadlift
Sets
3
3
PHASE 4: WEEKS 19-22
WORKOUT 1: DEADLIFT AND PULL
Reps
% 1RM
Notes
3
120% +
Alternate between static-drive deadlifts and
regular heavy deadlifts, resting 30 seconds
4
90%
after static-drive deadlifts and resting 3
minutes after heavy deadlifts. Complete 3
sets of each deadlift and rest for 1 minute
before continuing with the remaining
exercises.
6-8
3-4
3-4
3-4
12-15
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS AND PUSH
3
120% +
Alternate between static-drive bench presses
and regular heavy bench presses, resting 30
seconds after static-drive bench presses and
4
90%
resting 3 minutes after heavy bench presses.
Complete 3 sets of each bench press and
rest for 1 minute before continuing with the
remaining exercises.
3-4
3-4
Pull-up
Barbell row
Barbell curl
Preacher curl
Reverse crunch
3
3
3
3
3
Static-drive bench
press
Alternated with heavy
bench press
3
Incline dumbbell press
Dumbbell shoulder
press
Dip
3
3
3
3-4
Cable crunch
3
8-10
3
Static-drive squat
Alternated with heavy
squat
3
3
3
4
Leg press
Leg extension
Leg curl
Leg-press calf raise
3
3
3
3
3-4
6-8
6-8
12-15
Add weight as needed to reach failure in the
3- to 4-rep range.
WORKOUT 3: SQUAT
120% +
Alternate between static-drive squats and
regular heavy squats, resting 30 seconds
90%
after static-drive squats and resting 3
minutes after heavy squats. Complete 3 sets
of each squat and rest for 1 minute before
continuing with the remaining exercises.
Add weight as needed to reach failure in the
6- to 8-rep range.
PHASE 4: WEEK 23
WORKOUT 1: PERFORM MID- TO LATE WEEK
Test your 1RM on the squat, bench press, and deadlift in that order.
> continued
243
TABLE 10.8
Advanced Six (continued)
PHASE 5: WEEKS 24-27
WORKOUT 1: SQUAT
Exercise
Sets
Reps
% 1RM
Notes
Squat
3
1
95%
After a thorough warm-up, do the first set
with 1 rep (no more or you will fatigue the
3
5
50%
muscle) with 95% of your 1RM weight. Rest
for 3 minutes and then do the next set with
3 to 5 reps with 50% of your 1RM weight.
Alternate between the weights 3 times for a
total of 6 sets.
Leg press
3
5
50%
Leg extension
3
5
50%
Leg curl
3
5
50%
Leg press calf raise
3
5
50%
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS
Bench press
3
1
95%
After a thorough warm-up, do the first set
with 1 rep (no more or you will fatigue the
3
5
50%
muscle) with 95% of your 1RM weight. Rest
for 3 minutes and then do the next set with
3 to 5 reps with 50% of your 1RM weight.
Alternate between the weights 3 times for a
total of 6 sets.
Dumbbell bench press
3
5
50%
Barbell shoulder press
3
5
50%
Dumbbell upright rows
3
5
50%
Close-grip bench press
3
5
50%
Hanging leg raise
3
12-15
WORKOUT 3: DEADLIFT
Deadlift
3
1
95%
After a thorough warm-up, do the first set
with 1 rep (no more or you will fatigue the
3
5
50%
muscle) with 95% of your 1RM weight. Rest
for 3 minutes and then do the next set with
3 to 5 reps with 50% of your 1RM weight.
Alternate between the weights 3 times for a
total of 6 sets.
Pulldown
3
5
50%
Barbell row
3
5
50%
Barbell curl
3
5
50%
Reverse crunch
3
12-15
PHASE 5: WEEK 28
WORKOUT 1: PERFORM MID- TO LATE WEEK
Test your 1RM on the squat, bench press, and deadlift in that order.
244
Training Cycles for Gaining Maximal Strength
Exercise
Dumbbell deadlift jump
Alternated with deadlift
Barbell row
Barbell curl
Standing cable crunch
Power push-up
Alternated with bench
press
Barbell incline press
Barbell shoulder press
Close-grip bench press
Hanging leg raise
Sets
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Reps
3
2-3
2-3
2-3
6-8
245
PHASE 6: WEEKS 29-32
WORKOUT 1: DEADLIFT
% 1RM
Notes
30%
95%
95%
95%
WORKOUT 2: BENCH PRESS
3
Body weight
2-3
95%
2
2
2
15-20
95%
95%
95%
WORKOUT 3: SQUAT
Barbell squat jump
3
3
30%
Alternated with squat
3
2-3
95%
Leg press
3
2
95%
Standing calf raise
3
2
95%
PHASE 6: WEEK 33
WORKOUT 1: PERFORM MID- TO LATE WEEK
Test your 1RM on the squat, bench press, and deadlift in that order.
LIFT-SPECIFIC CYCLES
Training to build overall strength should be every
weightlifter’s major goal. However, after you have
a strong base of overall strength from lifting for a
good while, you may want to build up strength in
certain lifts. This may be due to an imbalance of
strength in a certain area. Or you may just have
an affinity for a particular lift and want to excel at
it. This is often common with the bench press.
The following programs are designed to build up
your strength in one lift and only one lift. However,
this does not mean that you shouldn’t work on
increasing your strength in the other lifts. These
programs emphasize the bench press, squat,
or deadlift. However, they are designed to fit in
with regular training splits. One way to use these
cycles is to alternate the three of them so that you
emphasize bench press strength at one phase in
your training cycle, squat strength in another, and
deadlift strength in another before cycling back to
bench press-focused training.
Bench Press Booster Cycle
This 10-week cycle involves using an upper- and
lower-body split so that you can train chest twice
each week (once on Monday with a heavy day and
once on Thursday with a light day of bench press
work). See table 10.9, Big Bench Routine, for
details. On the heavy chest day, all you do is bench
press. Weight increases and therefore repetitions
decrease every three weeks until you reach the
last week where you max out with your new record
weight. Allow three to five minutes of rest between
sets on your heavy bench day to keep your strength
up. On the light chest day you do the bench press
along with the other upper-body assistance exercises. In this workout, you’ll perform light bench
presses as well as dumbbell bench presses (incline
or flat) and flys (incline or flat). Rotate the incline
and flat version of these exercises so that when
you do incline dumbbell presses, you follow with
flat flys and vice versa. Allow two to three minutes
of rest between sets on the light chest day.
246
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Finish the chest workout with power pushups to develop explosive power that will help
you throw up more weight on the bench press.
This light day is important because it keeps the
muscle from losing its memory of how strong it
was at the previous training session, enhances
the blood circulation in the areas that are important to the bench, keeps your muscle size up, and
reinforces your groove—that unique lifting path
that you’ll discover to be the best way to push
the bar up to completion. Follow the light chest
routine with one exercise for shoulders, back,
triceps, and biceps.
Follow this routine for 9 weeks. On the 10th
week, you max out on your specified heavy chest
day. You’ll be amazed at your newfound strength.
Do no other lifting this week; you should be at
your peak. After you peak, take a period of active
recovery in which you perform some form of light
exercise. Try other activities that involve both
upper- and lower-body movements such as swimming, racket sports, or rock-wall climbing.
TABLE 10.9 Big Bench Routine
MONDAY: HEAVY BENCH PRESS DAY
Exercise
Bench press
Weeks 1-3
Sets
1
1
1
4
3
Weeks 4-6
4
3
Weeks 7-9
4
3
Week 10
1
Reps
10
6
4
6
Muscle
failure
4
Muscle
failure
2
Muscle
failure
1RM
max
Weight
(% RM)
50%
60%
70%
85%
60%
90%
60%
95%
60%
New
100%
THURSDAY: LIGHT BENCH PRESS DAY
Weight
Exercise
Sets
Reps
(% RM)
Bench press
1
10
50%
1
6
60%
3
4
75%
1
8
55%
Dumbbell bench press
2
10
70%
Incline dumbbell fly
2
10
70%
Power push-up
3
Failure
Body
weight
Barbell overhead press
3
6
80%
Barbell row
3
6
80%
Close-grip bench press
3
6
80%
Barbell curl
3
6
80%
Squat-Building Cycle
This six-week squat program is a modified version
of what is known as the Russian squat routine. It
will increase your squat weight 5 to 10 percent in
just six weeks. However, it does require you to squat
for three days per week (see table 10.10). That
makes the squat–bench press–deadlift training
split the best split to use with this program, but with
one modification: You will squat first on all three
workout days. On Monday do a full squat workout
with just two extra assistance exercises for quads
(the leg press and leg extension) as well as one
calf exercise. On Wednesday you will perform just
the prescribed number of squats and no other leg
work before your bench press workout. On Friday
you will do the same thing before your deadlift
workout. Some lifters opt to train their squats in
the morning on Wednesdays and Fridays and their
bench presses and deadlifts in the evening. This
can help prevent the fatigue that may hinder your
other lifts after performing several sets of squats.
The program starts at 80 percent RM and cycles
over the 18-day program to reach 100 percent by
the 16th workout. Then it drops back to 80 percent
for the 17th workout to give the legs a rest before
the 18th workout, where you will test your 1RM with
at least 105 percent of your original 1RM before
this program.
TABLE 10.10 Russian Squat Strength
Before each workout, do several warm-up sets to get up to working set weight.
WEEK 1
MONDAY: SQUAT WORKOUT DAY
WEEK 4
MONDAY: SQUAT WORKOUT DAY
Weight
Exercise
Sets Reps (% RM)
Squat
6
2
80%
Leg press
3
6
Leg extension
3
6
Standing calf raise
3
10
WEDNESDAY: BENCH PRESS WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
3
80%
Bench press workout (immediately after squats or
later in day)
FRIDAY: DEADLIFT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
2
80%
Deadlift workout (immediately after squats or later
in day)
WEEK 2
MONDAY: SQUAT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
4
80%
Leg press
3
6
Leg extension
3
6
Standing calf raise
3
10
WEDNESDAY: BENCH PRESS WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
2
80%
Bench press workout (immediately after squats or
later in day)
FRIDAY: DEADLIFT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
5
80%
Deadlift workout (immediately after squats or later
in day)
WEEK 3
MONDAY: SQUAT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
2
80%
Leg press
3
6
Leg extension
3
6
Standing calf raise
3
10
WEDNESDAY: BENCH PRESS WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
6
80%
Bench press workout (immediately after squats or
later in day)
FRIDAY: DEADLIFT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
2
80%
Deadlift workout (immediately after squats or later
in day)
Weight
Exercise
Sets Reps (%RM)
Squat
5
5
85%
Leg press
3
6
Leg extension
3
6
Standing calf raise
3
10
WEDNESDAY: BENCH PRESS WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
2
80%
Bench press workout (immediately after squats or
later in day)
FRIDAY: DEADLIFT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
4
4
90%
Deadlift workout (immediately after squats or later
in day)
WEEK 5
MONDAY: SQUAT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
2
80%
Leg press
3
6
Leg extension
3
6
Standing calf raise
3
10
WEDNESDAY: BENCH PRESS WORKOUT DAY
Squat
3
3
95%
Bench press workout (immediately after squats or
later in day)
FRIDAY: DEADLIFT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
2
80%
Deadlift workout (immediately after squats or later
in day)
WEEK 6
MONDAY: SQUAT WORKOUT DAY
Squat
2
2
100%
Leg press
3
6
Leg extension
3
6
Standing calf raise
3
10
WEDNESDAY: BENCH PRESS WORKOUT DAY
Squat
6
2
80%
Bench press workout (immediately after squats or
later in day)
FRIDAY: DEADLIFT WORKOUT DAY
No squats, just deadlift workout
WEEK 7
Test new 1RM.
247
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Deadlift Raising Cycle
This 10-week program is effective for boosting
strength in the deadlift in even the most experienced lifters. In fact, this program is similar to one
used by many elite deadlifters, including Mark Phillipi. This program works well with a squat–bench
press–deadlift training split, as long as you do the
deadlift workout first in the week and the squat
workout last (see table 10.11). It consistently uses
just one set of heavy weight for very low reps (one
or two) as the first working set of each workout.
Over the 10 weeks the weight for this set moves
from 75 percent to 100 percent. Following the
heavy set are several sets of light deadlifts done
explosively. This builds up the power you will need
to explode the weight off the floor at the start of
the deadlift. The first four weeks use a circuit
program for the assistance exercises. This helps
to condition the muscles to prevent fatigue. The
last six weeks use straight sets for all assistance
exercises.
TABLE 10.11 Raising the Dead
Before each workout, do several warm-up sets to get up to working-set weight. Do the assistance circuit in a
circuit format—rest 90 seconds between each exercise and rest 3 minutes between the end of the circuit and
beginning the circuit again. Do three circuits, totaling eight reps on each exercise.
WEEK 1
Weight
Sets Reps (% RM)
1
2
75%
8
3
60%
ASSISTANCE CIRCUIT
Romanian deadlift
3
8
Barbell row
3
8
Lat pulldown
3
8
Good morning
3
8
WEEK 2
Deadlift
1
2
80%
8
3
65%
ASSISTANCE CIRCUIT
Romanian deadlift
3
8
Barbell row
3
8
Lat pulldown
3
8
Good morning
3
8
WEEK 3
Deadlift
1
2
85%
6
3
70%
ASSISTANCE CIRCUIT
Romanian deadlift
3
8
Barbell row
3
8
Lat pulldown
3
8
Good morning
3
8
Exercise
Deadlift
WEEK 4
Rest
3 min
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
3 min
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
3 min
2 min
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
Weight
Sets Reps (% RM)
1
2
90%
5
3
70%
ASSISTANCE CIRCUIT
Romanian deadlift
3
8
Barbell row
3
8
Lat pulldown
3
8
Good morning
3
8
WEEK 5
Deadlift
1
2
80%
3
3
65%
Power shrug
3
5
60%
Romanian deadlift
3
5
Barbell row
3
5
Lat pulldown
3
5
Good morning
3
5
WEEK 6
Deadlift
1
2
85%
3
3
70%
Power shrug
3
5
65%
Romanian deadlift
3
5
Barbell row
3
5
Lat pulldown
3
5
Good morning
3
5
Exercise
Deadlift
Rest
3 min
2 min
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
90 sec
3 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
3 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
WEEK 7
Exercise
Deadlift
Power shrug
Romanian deadlift
Barbell row
Lat pulldown
Good morning
Deadlift
Power shrug
Romanian deadlift
Barbell row
Lat pulldown
Good morning
Sets Reps
1
2
3
3
2
5
2
5
2
5
2
5
2
5
WEEK 8
1
2
3
3
2
5
2
5
2
5
2
5
2
5
WEEK 9
Weight
(% RM)
90%
75%
70%
95%
70%
75%
Rest
3 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
3 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
Exercise
Deadlift
Sets Reps
1
1
2
3
Power shrug
2
5
Romanian deadlift
2
5
WEEK 10
Deadlift
1
1
2
3
Power shrug
2
5
Romanian deadlift
2
5
WEEK 11
Test 1RM for deadlift.
Weight
(% RM)
97.5%
70%
75%
100%
60%
75%
Rest
3 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
3 min
2 min
2 min
2 min
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PART IV
TRAINING FOR
MAXIMAL FAT LOSS
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Strength training for fat loss does not have to be
all that much different from strength training for
muscle mass or for maximal strength. In fact, many
of the programs in this section actually maximize
fat loss while increasing muscle mass and increasing muscle strength. The real key to fat loss comes
from the cardio techniques you employ (covered
in chapter 12) and the diet you follow (covered in
chapter 28). That being said, you can use a few
tricks with your strength training to enhance fat
loss, such as manipulating rest periods, weight
and reps used, and exercises selected.
Chapter 11 covers the basics of creating
strength training programs for maximizing fat
loss. This chapter covers the training variables
that you want to manipulate and the reasons for
doing so to enhance fat loss through strength
training.
Chapter 12 gets into various cardio techniques
to use along with a strength training program. It discusses the science behind high-intensity interval
training (HIIT) and covers several HIIT techniques
and tips for including them in your overall training
program.
Chapter 13 concludes this section with specific
training programs that maximize fat loss. This
chapter covers programs for beginners as well as
those for intermediate and advanced lifters.
CHAPTER 11
Tactics for Maximizing
Fat Loss
Unless you are a strength athlete with the goal
of lifting as much weight as possible, then your
pursuit for a fitter, more muscular, and stronger
physique should not be just about building total
mass but about building lean muscle. After all, if
the muscle that you have spent so much effort
building is not readily visible, then what’s the point
of all that hard work? Sure, weight training has
many health benefits and will improve your quality
of life, but those are all nice fringe benefits of the
main reason you weight train—to look better. And
looking better makes you feel better.
The best way to enhance fat loss is with a
proper combination of weight training and cardio
along with diet. Techniques to employ in weight
training and cardio workouts are covered later in
this chapter. Nutrition advice for promoting fat loss
is covered in chapter 28.
STRENGTH TRAINING
TECHNIQUES THAT ENHANCE
FAT LOSS
The very act of weightlifting can affect fat loss by
increasing both the number of calories your body
burns during the workout and how many calories
your body burns after the workout is long over. And
it can now be argued that the body of someone
who weight trains is better equipped at burning
more fat throughout the day and storing less fat.
Yet years of research have proven that manipulating certain acute training variables can have an
even bigger impact on the calories burned during
workouts and the calories burned the rest of the
day after the workout is over.
Exercise Selection
While a variety of exercises is always best, there
are certain types of exercises that you will want
to include in workouts to aid in fat loss. Research
suggests that using multijoint, free-weight exercises, such as the squat, bench press, shoulder
press, and bent-over row, will maximize the number
of calories burned more than machine exercises
or single-joint isolation exercises. This is likely
because multijoint exercises use more muscle
groups, such as those that assist the target
muscle and stabilizer muscles, which stabilize the
joints involved. And the more muscles you use, the
more calories you burn. In fact, one study found
that when participants did the barbell squat, they
burned 50 percent more calories than when they
did the leg press (Tower et al. 2005).
Resistance and Rep Range
The weight you train with and the number of reps
you complete can have a big impact on your calorie
burn. To burn more calories during the workout,
higher reps do the trick. College of New Jersey
researchers found that when participants used a
weight that allowed them to complete 10 reps on
the bench press, they burned about 10 percent
more calories than when they used a weight that
limited them to 5 reps (Ratamess et al. 2007). The
more reps you do, the more calories you burn. On
the flip side of that, several studies have shown
that while using heavier weight for fewer reps
burns fewer calories during the workout, it burns
more calories when the workout is over and you
go about the rest of your day. In fact, research has
shown that when you work out with heavy weights
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that limit you to 6 reps per set, the boost in your
metabolic rate for 2 days after the workout more
than doubles the boost you get when you work out
with light weight that allows you to complete 12
reps per set (Borshein and Bahr 2003). So some
combination of both heavy weight for low reps and
light weight for high reps is the best way to take
advantage of both benefits. This can be achieved
by either using both low and high rep ranges in
each workout or periodizing the rep ranges of the
program.
Volume
The total number of sets you do for each muscle
group and per workout (volume) will affect the
number of calories you burn in the workout. The
more sets you perform, the more work you are
doing, and the more calories you end up burning.
So increasing total volume of workouts is not only
a strategy that can help to increase muscle growth,
as discussed in chapter 2, but it can also increase
the number of calories burned. As a general rule,
keeping workouts to a minimum of 20 sets and
ideally closer to 30 or more sets per workout can
lead to significantly greater fat loss than workouts
that are under 20 sets.
Rep Speed
A fourth variable to consider is the speed of the
reps that you perform. Research has shown that
doing reps in a fast and explosive manner can
increase the number of calories you burn both
during and after the workout. Researchers from
Ball State University had weight-trained males do
a squat exercise using 60 percent of their one-rep
max at a normal pace (2 seconds on the positive
part of the rep and 2 seconds on the negative
part of the rep) or a very fast pace (1 second on
the positive part of the rep and 2 seconds on the
negative part of the rep). For both workouts, they
did 4 sets of 8 reps, during which they were hooked
up to a metabolic instrument to measure the
number of calories they burned. The researchers
discovered that when the participants did the 4
sets of squats with fast reps, they burned over 11
percent more calories during the workout and over
5 percent more calories at rest after the workout
compared to when they used slower reps (Mazzetti
et al. 2007).
While you don’t want to do every exercise with
fast and explosive reps, a better plan is to start
your workouts with one exercise for each muscle
group done in an explosive manner. For example,
for chest you can start the workout with three or
four sets of power push-ups or Smith machine
bench press throws. This will help you build muscle
power in the chest, which can help you gain muscle
strength as you burn fat. And since ballistic exercises like this are done with light weight, they serve
as a good warm-up to the heavier working sets that
will follow, such as the bench press.
Rest
One of the more critical variables for increasing fat
loss is the rest period you allow between sets. Generally speaking, the less rest you allow, the greater
the number of calories you burn in a workout.
Research from the College of New Jersey has
shown that if you cut your rest periods from the
standard 3 minutes between sets to just 30 seconds between sets, you can increase the number
of calories you burn during the workout by over 50
percent (Ratamess et al. 2007). These shorter rest
periods, compared to longer rest periods, also lead
to a bigger increase in the metabolic rate boost
that follows the workout. Research also shows
a similar response to supersets, which basically
eliminates any rest periods between sets. This is
covered in more detail in the following section.
While you should keep rest periods between
sets to a minimum, the one time to hold the rest
period between sets to at least one minute, if
not longer, is when using the cardio technique of
cardioacceleration, where instead of truly resting
between sets you do cardio between sets. To learn
more about cardioacceleration, see chapter 12.
Intensity Techniques
Another thing to consider regarding weight training
for maximizing fat loss is the use of intensity techniques that allow you to take sets past the point
of normal muscle failure. For example, with forced
reps the assistance from a partner helps you go
past muscle failure by continuing to do more reps
than you would be able to complete on your own.
Research shows that this technique leads to a
higher increase in growth hormone levels than by
simply ending the set at muscle failure (Ahtiainen
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Tactics for Maximizing Fat Loss
et al. 2003). Since growth hormone (GH) increases
lipolysis, the release of fat from the fat cells, having
higher GH levels can lead to more fat being freed
up from the fat cells so that it can be burned away
as fuel during the workout and after.
One study on collegiate football players found
that those following a high-intensity weight program, which consisted of just one set per exercise done for 6 to 10 reps per exercise done to
failure along with forced reps and finally a static
contraction for several seconds, lost more body fat
over 10 weeks than those using a lower-intensity
program, which consisted of three sets of 6 to
10 reps per exercise taken to just muscle failure
(Fincher 2004).
Using the intensity technique, supersets also
can enhance calorie burning and therefore fat loss.
One study from Syracuse University reported that
participants supersetting chest and back, biceps
and triceps, and quads and hamstrings increased
the number of calories burned during the workout
and the hour after the workout by 35 percent more
than those performing the same chest and back
exercises as straight sets (Kelleher et al. 2010).
While this may be because an athlete uses more
muscle fibers by supersetting different muscle
groups, the fact that rest periods between supersets are minimal is likely to be a big factor as
well. The influence that rest periods have between
sets is discussed earlier in this chapter. This would
likely mean that using techniques such as tri-sets
and giant sets, in which you train three and four or
more exercises, respectively, back to back, would
provide a similar effect, if not an even bigger one.
Training Frequency
How often you train muscle groups can also have
an impact on fat loss. The most obvious reason
for this is that when you train muscle groups more
frequently you tend to train more often during the
week. More workouts during the week equate to
more total calories burned throughout the weeks.
Another reason more frequent workouts lead
to greater fat loss is that when you train muscle
groups more frequently, you need to train more
muscle groups per workout. This means that you
have more muscle tissue that is recovering after
the workout is over. After workouts your body is in a
state known as oxygen debt. That means it needs
more oxygen to replenish ATP and phosphocreatine
stores. It needs that oxygen to burn more fuel
(calories) to recover from the workout. With more
muscle fibers needed to recover, the calorie burn
stays higher for longer.
SUMMARY
The way in which you design your weight training
program can significantly affect fat loss. Generally
speaking, programs that use many multijoint movements, incorporate explosive and ballistic training
exercises, use heavy weight for fewer reps, use
lighter weight for higher reps, keep rest periods
very short, combine techniques such as supersets,
employ intensity techniques such as forced reps,
train muscle groups more frequently, or have you in
the gym more often all seem to be effective ways
to keep fat burning maximized.
Of course, you can’t employ all of these techniques into every workout, but a good strategy is
to employ a multitude of these techniques in each
program you design and swap out techniques as
you change up programs. You will also need to add
some form of cardio to these strength programs in
order to maximize fat loss. Cardio techniques that
work best are covered in chapter 12.
If you are not keen at designing your own
training programs, turn to chapter 13, which has
several fat-loss programs. Not only have these
programs been shown to be effective for fat loss,
but trainees often have gains in muscle size and
strength. These programs also serve as a good
template for combining the techniques discussed
in this chapter.
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CHAPTER 12
Cardio Training for
Maximizing Fat Loss
Cardio is the intimate word we give to aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise refers to the energy system
used. With weight training, which is done with high
intensity for short bursts followed by a short rest
period, you tend to rely more on the anaerobic
energy systems to fuel muscle contractions. With
aerobic exercise, which typically refers to rhythmic movement at a low to moderate intensity for
prolonged periods, such as jogging or bicycling,
the energy systems that fuel this type of activity
require oxygen.
Although it is possible to lose fat with just weight
training, especially certain types of programs, to
truly maximize fat loss you need to incorporate
some form of cardio in your training regimen. Plus,
cardio provides health benefits, such as improved
cardiovascular health, reduced risk of diabetes
and other metabolic diseases, and reduced risk of
certain types of cancer. It can also help to enhance
recovery from weight training. This chapter covers
the most effective forms of cardio for fat loss while
maintaining muscle and building muscle.
HIIT VERSUS STEADY-STATE
CARDIO
There was a time when bodybuilders would only
consider doing low- to moderate-intensity, steadystate cardio, such as fast walking or pedaling a
stationary bike at a moderate intensity. Anything
more intense would be considered a no-no. There
were two main reasons for this. The first was that
they believed that more intense cardio would burn
up muscle tissue (meaning that muscle tissue
would be broken down to fuel the exercise). The
second belief was that lower-intensity cardio was
reported to put a person in an optimal fat-burning
zone.
Today, we know that both of those lines of
thinking are flawed. The concept that high-intensity
cardio will burn up muscle while low-intensity cardio
will spare muscle is quite wrong. In fact, if you just
compared the muscle mass of longer-distance
runners (who spend a good deal of their training
at a slower pace for longer periods) to the muscle
mass of sprinters (who spend a good deal of their
training at higher intensities for short periods), you
could see how that logic is flawed.
When you train at a slow and steady pace for a
longer period, you train your muscle fibers to be
more aerobic and have greater endurance. There
is some evidence that suggests that muscle fibers
adapt to becoming more aerobic and to increasing endurance by becoming smaller and weaker.
This is because the smaller a muscle fiber is, the
less time it takes for nutrients to travel within the
muscle fiber. This speeds up the rate that nutrients
can be burned for fuel.
Another way to consider the misconception
that low-intensity cardio done for longer periods
will better spare muscle mass than high-intensity
cardio for shorter periods is to compare a higher-intensity squat workout done for 5 sets with a
weight that limits you to 10 reps per set and a lower-intensity squat workout done with a weight that
allows you to complete 100 reps per set. Would the
higher-intensity leg workout of 10 rep sets burn up
muscle tissue while the lower-intensity leg workout
of 100 rep sets would better maintain muscle?
No. If anything, it would be quite the opposite. In
fact, doing higher-intensity cardio, particularly HIIT
(discussed later in this chapter), may actually help
to increase muscle mass.
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While lower-intensity cardio has been shown
to burn a higher percentage of calories from fat,
you actually burn fewer total calories with lower-intensity cardio. So to burn an equivalent amount
of calories and fat as higher-intensity cardio, you
would have to exercise for considerably longer.
One obvious problem with doing excessive cardio
is time. Most people barely have time to fit in a
60-minute weight workout, let alone another 60
minutes or longer of cardio. However, another
problem with excessively long cardio, particularly
for men, is that it has been found to lower testosterone levels.
Focusing on just how many calories you burn
and how many calories you burn from fat during a
workout is also flawed. The real benefit of cardio
for fat loss is the amount of calories (and calories
from fat) that you burn the rest of the day after the
workout is over. This is due to the process known
as EPOC (excess postexercise oxygen consumption). It refers to the boost in your metabolism, or
calorie burning that comes after the workout is
over. When you work out, you burn calories to fuel
your muscles. But when the workout is over, your
body keeps burning more calories than normal,
despite the fact that you are doing nothing. This
is due to the processes involved in recovery from
exercise. After exercise, your body must repair
damaged muscle fibers, restock muscle glycogen
levels, remove lactic acid from the muscles, and
so on. All these processes require calories, and
a lot of those calories come from fat. And when it
comes to EPOC, this is where HIIT really destroys
steady-state cardio done at a lower intensity.
Science Behind HIIT
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form
of cardio that involves intervals of high-intensity
exercise (such as running at a very fast pace)
interspersed with intervals of low-intensity activity
(walking at a slow pace) or complete rest. This is
in sharp contrast to the typical continuous steadystate (slow and steady) exercise that is done at a
moderate intensity, such as walking at a fast pace
or jogging for 30 to 60 minutes.
Although HIIT seems to have gained popularity in
the last few years, the concept is actually quite old.
The origin of HIIT can be traced back many decades
to a technique called Fartlek training that was used
by track coaches to better prepare runners. Fartlek
is actually Swedish for speed (fart) and play (lek),
so it means speed play, which is essentially what
HIIT is. Today HIIT has crossed over to the fitness
industry because of its beneficial results that have
been established through both anecdotal reports
and published research studies. In fact, studies
comparing HIIT to continuous steady-state cardio
have shown that HIIT is far superior for fat loss,
despite the fact that it requires much less time.
One of the first studies to discover that HIIT
was more effective for fat loss was a 1994 study
by researchers at Laval University in Ste-Foy,
Quebec, Canada (Tremblay et al. 1994). They
reported that young men and women who followed
a 15-week HIIT program lost significantly more
body fat than those following a 20-week continuous steady-state endurance program, despite the
fact that the steady-state program burned about
15,000 calories more during exercise than the
HIIT program. A 2001 study from East Tennessee
State University demonstrated similar findings
with participants who followed an 8-week HIIT
program (participants dropped 2 percent body
fat) compared to those who followed a continuous
steady-state program (participants had no drop
in body fat) on a treadmill (King 2001). A study
from Australia reported that females following
a 20-minute HIIT program that consisted of
8-second sprints followed by 12 seconds of rest
lost 6 times more body fat than the group who
followed a 40-minute cardio program performed
at a constant intensity of 60 percent of their
maximum heart rate (Trapp 2008).
A study from the University of Western Ontario
suggests that you can burn off more body fat
with even less than 15 minutes of HIIT than with
slow and steady cardio (Macpherson 2011). The
research team had male and female participants
follow one of two cardio programs for six weeks.
One group ran slow and steady for 30 to 60 minutes three times per week. The other group did
four to six 30-second sprints with a 4-minute rest
period between sprints three times per week.
That’s basically HIIT with an extended rest interval
between the high-intensity exercise intervals. The
group doing the sprint intervals lost more than
twice as much body fat as the slow-and-steady
group despite the fact that they did only 2 to 3
minutes of total cardio exercise per day and just
6 to 9 minutes per week! The sprint interval group
also gained over one pound of muscle. So this type
of cardio not only burns off body fat and spares
muscle, but it also may even help to build it.
Cardio Training for Maximizing Fat Loss
One of the major reasons HIIT works so well in
reducing body fat to a greater degree than continuous steady-state cardio appears to be due to
the greater increase in resting metabolism after
HIIT. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine
reported that participants who followed a HIIT
workout on a stationary cycle burned significantly
more calories during the 24 hours after the workout than those who cycled at a moderate steadystate intensity (Treuth, 1996). The East Tennessee
State University study mentioned earlier also
found that participants following the HIIT program
burned more calories during the 24 hours after
exercise than the steady-state cardio group did.
A study presented at the 2007 annual meeting
of the American College of Sports Medicine by
Florida State University researchers reported that
participants who performed HIIT burned about 10%
more calories during the 24 hours after exercise
as those who performed continuous steady-state
exercise, despite the fact that the total calories
burned during the workouts were the same (Meuret
et al. 2007).
In addition to the increase in resting metabolism, research confirms that HIIT is effective at
enhancing the metabolic machinery in muscle cells
that promote fat burning and blunt fat production.
Researchers in the Laval University study that
found a decrease in body fat with HIIT discovered
that the HIIT participants’ muscle fibers had
significantly higher markers for fat oxidation (fat
burning) than those in the continuous steady-state
exercise group. A study of young females who performed seven HIIT workouts over a two-week period
showed a 30 percent increase in both fat oxidation
and levels of muscle enzymes that enhance fat oxidation (Talanian et al. 2007). Research shows that
this may be due to an increase in mitochondria,
the machinery in muscle cells and other cells that
burns fat to produce energy. Scalzo and colleagues
(2014) found that both men and women completing four to eight bouts of 30-seocnd sprints on a
stationary cycle had significant boosts in mitochondrial biogenesis. In a study from the Norwegian
University of Science and Technology, participants
with metabolic syndrome who followed a 16-week
HIIT program had a 100 percent greater decrease
in content of the fat-producing enzyme fatty acid
synthase compared to participants who followed
continuous moderate-intensity exercise. In other
words, HIIT enhances the body’s ability to burn
fat and prevent the storage of fat (Tjonna 2007).
259
Another way that HIIT appears to work has to do
with getting the fat to where it will be burned away
for good. Talanian and colleagues (2010) shed
some light on another way that HIIT burns more
body fat: 6 weeks of HIIT increased the amount of
special proteins in muscle cells that are responsible for carrying fat into the mitochondria (where
fat is burned for fuel) by up to 50 percent. Having
more of these proteins in muscle means that more
fat can be burned up for fuel during workouts and
when resting.
HIIT, done at a higher intensity for a shorter
time, will not only help you maintain your muscle
but can actually help you build muscle mass. In a
study by Smith and colleagues (2009), male participants following a six-week HIIT program (done
for 15 minutes per day, 3 days a week, at a ratio
of 2:1 for exercise to rest) while supplementing
with beta-alanine gained over 2 pounds of muscle
despite the fact that they never lifted weights
during the program. The 2011 study on sprinting
from the University of Western Ontario discussed
earlier reported that those performing 30-second
sprint intervals actually gained some muscle mass,
while the slow-and-steady cardio group did not.
A study from the UK reported that obese participants following a low-carbohydrate diet lost muscle
mass, yet those performing HIIT along with the
low-carbohydrate diet were able to maintain muscle
mass (Sartor 2010). This makes sense when you
consider that weight training is technically a form
of HIIT— short periods of high-intensity exercise
are interspersed with periods of rest.
One reason HIIT can lead to greater gains in
muscle mass may be an increase in muscle protein
synthesis. The Colorado State University study
showing an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis
also reported a significant increase in muscle
protein synthesis after the sprints. The results
were greater in male than in female participants.
Another reason for greater gains in muscle mass
with HIIT may be the anabolic hormone testosterone. New Zealand researchers (Paton et al.
2009) had competitive cyclists complete 4 weeks
of HIIT training involving 30-second sprints on
a stationary cycle separated by 30 seconds of
rest. One group sprinted with high resistance on
the pedals, making it harder to pedal, while the
other group used a lighter resistance, which was
easier to pedal. Both groups pedaled as fast as
they could during the 30-second sprints. The men
pedaling at the highest resistance increased their
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testosterone levels by almost 100 percent, while
the group pedaling at a lighter resistance increased
testosterone levels by only about 60 percent.
Another reason for both the health benefits
of HIIT and its benefits on muscle mass, not to
mention fat loss, has to do with improved insulin
sensitivity. When you improve insulin sensitivity, not
only does this help you keep lean and prevent diabetes, but it can also aid muscle growth. Insulin is
an anabolic hormone that acts on the muscle cells
to increase muscle protein synthesis, decrease
muscle protein breakdown, and drive more glucose, amino acids, and creatine and carnitine
into muscle cells. Researchers at Watt University
in Edinburgh had participants follow a two-week
training program with workouts consisting of just
four to six 30-second sprints on stationary cycles
(Babraj et al. 2009). Sprints were separated by 4
minutes of rest. They discovered that at the end of
the two weeks the participants’ blood glucose and
insulin levels were reduced by almost 15 and 40
percent, respectively, after the consumption of 75
grams of glucose. Insulin sensitivity, which is the
measurement of how well insulin does its job at the
muscle cells, improved by about 25 percent. In a
more recent study by Racil and colleagues (2013),
young females following a 12-week HIIT program
had positive changes in insulin sensitivity as well
as reduced waist size, lower total cholesterol, lower
LDL cholesterol, and higher HDL cholesterol.
This does not mean that you should never do
steady-state cardio. If you enjoy jogging, hiking, or
cycling, then by all means include that exercise in
your program. However, you should still consider
adding a few days of HIIT into your routine. This
not only will improve your physique but will also
improve your performance when you do steadystate cardio.
Cardio Frequency
Many weight training enthusiasts ask about the
minimum amount of cardio that needs to be done
each week to result in fat loss? This question
usually comes from those who think that cardio is
only the slow-and-steady type done on a treadmill
or stationary bike. Most people who enjoy weightlifting tend to loathe cardio. Of course, once they
realize that cardio can be done with weights in HIIT
style, they end up asking how much is too much.
At any rate, there is some evidence both from
research and anecdotal reports that the minimum
amount of cardio that you should do each week is
three workouts.
One study placed 90 male and female participants on an eight-week program that consisted of
30 minutes of straight cardio (Willis et al. 2009).
They divided the participants into groups based on
how often they exercised each week. One group
served as a control and did no exercise, a second
group did the cardio workout fewer than two times
a week, a third group did the workouts two or three
times per week, and the fourth group did cardio
four or more times per week. They discovered that
at the end of the eight weeks only the last group
performing cardio four or more times per week lost
a decent amount of body fat (almost 15 pounds
of it). Of course, the participants were not weight
training in addition to doing cardio, and they also
weren’t doing HIIT, so it’s hard to say from this
study precisely how many days of cardio you need
in addition to weight training.
Anecdotal reports suggest a minimum of three
HIIT cardio sessions per week in addition to weight
training. But obviously, the more you do each
week, the greater the expected fat loss. In fact,
you can do seven days of cardio per week if you
prefer. And that can be seven days of HIIT. Some
are worried that doing HIIT every day will lead to
overtraining. However, as long as you switch up
the exercises, you can do HIIT every day of the
week. After all, it is typically done for only 15 to
30 minutes, and that is not total exercise time.
Research on athletes suggests that those using
HIIT every day had no decrement in performance.
Hatle et al. (2014) found that those performing
eight sessions of HIIT per week for 3 weeks had
similar increases in V· O2max as those doing three
sessions per week for 8 weeks. This supports an
earlier study in Alpine skiers (Breil et al. 2010) that
showed a 6 percent increase in V· O2max after 15
sessions of HIIT performed for 11 days. Both studies, however, reported that the increase in V· O2max
was not apparent until several days after stopping
the frequent HIIT. This suggests that performing
HIIT every day could overtax the body and lead to
overtraining. So if improving aerobic performance
is one of your goals, you should provide at least
one rest day, if not three or four, per week. However,
doing two or three weeks of HIIT every day can lead
to quicker improvements in endurance as long as
you back off on the frequency later on. For the best
fat loss, do three to six sessions of HIIT per week,
leaving a minimum of one day of rest.
Cardio Training for Maximizing Fat Loss
Timing of Cardio
Whether you do your cardio immediately before you
lift weights, immediately after, or even during weight
workouts (such as cardioacceleration discussed
at the end of this chapter), or at a different time
of day or completely different day, matters little to
the effect it will have on fat loss. The most critical
aspect of scheduling your cardio is when you will
be most consistent doing it.
If you find that you tend to skip your cardio
workouts when you leave it to after your weight
workout, then you should consider doing it before
or during your weight training workout or at a completely different time or day. There are two options
when it comes to doing cardio during your weight
training workouts. The first option is to do cardioacceleration, which involves a 30- to 90-second
bout of high-intensity cardio in between every set.
Or you can do a bout of HIIT in between muscle
groups. For example, if you train back, biceps, and
calves in one workout, you could do 10 minutes
of HIIT in between back and biceps, in between
biceps and calves, and after calves for a total of
30 minutes of HIIT. Several studies have reported
that breaking up your cardio into several shorter
sessions allows you to burn more calories during
the workout as well as more calories after the
workout is over (Altena 2003; Almuzaini 1998;
Kaminsky 1990). This has also been shown to
allow people to lose significantly more total fat
over a prolonged period.
Fasted Cardio
Another misconception about cardio is that the
best time to do it is first thing in the morning
on an empty stomach. Research does in fact
show that you burn more total fat when you do
cardio fasted than you would if you ate first.
Some research shows that you can burn 20
percent more fat when you do cardio in the
morning on an empty stomach (Gonzalez et al.
2013). However, as mentioned earlier, how many
calories—and specifically the number you burn
from fat—during the exercise should not be the
major focus. When you burn carbohydrate during
exercise, you burn more fat after the exercise is
over, and when you burn more fat during exercise, you burn more carbohydrate after (Deighton
2012). In other words, it’s more about the total
amount of calories and fat you burn throughout
261
the day, not just during exercise. Research also
suggests that whether you exercise first thing in
the morning fasted or fed, you end up burning
the same amount of calories throughout the day
(Hansen 2005).
So, generally speaking, your best bet is to not
worry about doing cardio first thing in the morning
or fasted. If doing cardio first thing in the morning
is best for your schedule, then by all means do
your cardio then. But it is advisable to have at
least a protein shake—ideally a protein shake
and some carbohydrate, such as fruit—before
the workout. If you are trying to limit carb intake,
then you may want to avoid the carbohydrate until
after the workout.
There is one time when fasted cardio may be
a strategy you want to employ. I have found that
when a male’s body fat is in the low single digits
(somewhere around 5 to 6 percent) or a female’s
body fat is in the low teens (somewhere around 13
to 14 percent), but they have one body area that
they cannot trim, then the fasted cardio seems
to be beneficial for dropping the stubborn fat. For
example, many males, especially older males, tend
to hold fat on the lower back and obliques. Many
females tend to hold fat on the hips and thighs.
Once they have dropped the majority of the subcutaneous fat on the rest of the body, fasted cardio
does seem to work well to rid that last bit of fat.
Although there are no direct data, it may be that
when a person is so low in body fat, encouraging
the body to burn more fat during exercise is one
way to burn off the stubborn body fat that otherwise won’t go.
FORMS OF HIIT
HIIT can take on many forms and be done with
virtually any equipment or absolutely none. You
can do it while running on a track or a treadmill,
riding a stationary bike or climbing a stair stepper,
or doing calisthenics and using your body weight
or explosive exercises and free weights. Chapters
25 (whole-body exercises) and 26 (calisthenic
exercises) are good resources for exercises to
use for HIIT.
There is almost no wrong way to use HIIT other
than not doing it at all. And while there are numerous exercises that you can do with HIIT, there are
also numerous ways to employ HIIT. Following are
some of the more effective ways to use HIIT.
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Standard HIIT
Standard HIIT refers to scheduling a block of time
for just HIIT. Some evidence suggests that when
doing HIIT, a ratio of 2:1 of high-intensity exercise
to low-intensity exercise, or work to rest, provides
the best benefits in performance, fat loss, and
health. For example, you could sprint as fast as
possible for 30 seconds and walk for 15 seconds.
Or you could jump rope for 1 minute and rest for 30
seconds. Of course, studies like the University of
Western Ontario study on sprinting for 30 seconds
and resting for 4 minutes suggest that results
are still substantial even with a HIIT work-to-rest
ratio of 1:8. Despite that, I would still recommend
shooting for a 2:1 ratio. If that is too much for you
to handle at first, start off with a 1:2, or a 1:4,
or even a 1:8 ratio of work to rest and gradually
increase the ratio over time.
The intensity of the high-intensity exercise intervals can be something that is tightly prescribed,
such as a certain percent of your maximum heart
rate, or loosely determined based on what feels
intense to you. Because I prefer to do a variety
of exercises, such as dumbbell cleans, kettlebell
swings, and bench step-ups, checking your heart
rate manually or even on a heart rate monitor is
pretty impractical. So I prefer to use a simple RPE
(rating of perceived exertion) scale of 1 to 10, as
shown in table 12.1. During the high-intensity exercise intervals you should be somewhere from 6 to
TABLE 12.1 Rating of Perceived Exertion
(RPE) Scale
Use the following scale when rating your HIIT intervals.
Rate
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Maximal
Description
Nothing at all
Very easy
Easy
Moderate
Somewhat hard
Hard
Very hard
Very, very hard
9. Stick with the lower end of that range when just
beginning with the goal of increasing your RPE as
you go. If you are not taking complete rest between
the high-intensity exercise intervals, then your RPE
during the low-intensity exercise intervals should
be somewhere in the range of 1 to 3.
You should also shoot to increase the block
of total time spent doing HIIT as you progress.
Even if you start with just 10 to 15 minutes, that
is fine. But your goal should be to slowly increase
your total time.
Beginner to Advanced HIIT Program
The HIIT program in table 12.2 will progress you
from the beginner level to the intermediate level
of HIIT proficiency. This can be done with any
equipment, such as a treadmill, jump rope, pair
of dumbbells, kettlebell, exercise bands, medicine
ball, TRX, or just your body weight and calisthenics.
The suggested time of each phase is not carved
in stone. If you feel you need to spend more than
two weeks at a particular phase before moving
up, then do so. Or if a phase seems too easy and
you want to jump right up to the next phase, then
do so. It starts with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:4 in
phase 1 for a total workout time of just under 15
minutes. Then in phase 2, it bumps up the amount
of time in the work phase to bring the ratio up to
1:2 and the total workout time to 17 minutes. In
phase 3, the rest is cut in half to bring the ratio
up to 1:1, and the total workout time increases
to 18.5 minutes. And finally in phase 4, the rest
is cut in half again to get the ratio to 2:1 and the
total time at 20 minutes.
Tabata Intervals
Tabata intervals use a 2:1 ratio of work to rest.
But specifically you alternate 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise with 10 seconds of rest done for
eight cycles in this fashion for a total of 4 minutes
per exercise. The point is to not fall into a specific
heart rate range but to just go as intensely as
possible. So shoot for an RPE of about 9 to 10.
Tabatas are named after the Japanese scientist who designed them, Dr. Izumi Tabata. He was
actually looking for a way to better train athletes.
The story is that he was analyzing the training of
the Japanese speed skating team in an effort to
enhance their performance. He discovered that
when he had athletes perform eight cycles of
TABLE 12.2 Beginner to Advanced HIIT Program
PHASE 1 (1:4): WEEKS 1-2
Time
Activity
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
15 sec
High-intensity exercise
Total time: 14 minutes
PHASE 2 (1:2): WEEKS 3-4
Time
Activity
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
PHASE 2 (1:2): WEEKS 3-4 (continued)
Time
Activity
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
1 min
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
Total time: 17 min
PHASE 3 (1:1): WEEKS 5-6
Time
Activity
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
> continued
263
TABLE 12.2
Beginner to Advanced HIIT Program (continued)
PHASE 3 (1:1): WEEKS 5-6 (continued)
Time
Activity
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
30 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
Total time: 18.5 min
PHASE 4 (2:1): WEEKS 7-8
Time
Activity
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
these 20-second high-intensity exercise intervals
followed by 10 seconds of rest, they increased both
their aerobic (endurance) capacity and their anaerobic (quick power) capacity—the two things that
speed skaters need (Tabata et al. 1996; 1997). In
other words, whether you’re an endurance athlete
like a cyclist or a power athlete like a weightlifter,
Tabata offers you benefits because it trains both
264
PHASE 4 (2:1): WEEKS 7-8 (continued)
Time
Activity
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
15 sec
Rest or low-intensity exercise
30 sec
High-intensity exercise
Total time: 20 min
the major metabolic pathways that give you endurance and those that give you explosive energy.
That’s why so many athletes do Tabata intervals.
And, of course, they work very well for fat loss.
You can either choose anywhere from 4 to 8
exercises and do them as a block of Tabatas for
a total cardio workout time of 16 to 32 minutes.
Or you can do one or two exercises Tabata style
Cardio Training for Maximizing Fat Loss
in between muscle groups. For example, if you
trained chest, triceps, and abs in one workout, you
could start with Tabata rope jumping for 4 minutes
to warm up. Then after finishing chest, do Tabata
kettlebell swings for 4 minutes and Tabata bench
step-ups for another 4 minutes before training
triceps. After triceps, you could do 4 minutes of
Tabata dumbbell cleans and Tabata jumping jacks
before training abs. Then you do more two more
Tabata-style exercises after abs for a total time of
28 minutes of Tabata HIIT.
A typical Tabata exercise would look like this,
using kettlebell swings as an example:
Time
20 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
10 seconds
Activity
Kettlebell swings
Rest
Kettlebell swings
Rest
Kettlebell swings
Rest
Kettlebell swings
Rest
Kettlebell swings
Rest
Kettlebell swings
Rest
Kettlebell swings
Rest
Kettlebell swings
Rest
Power HIIT
Power HIIT involves doing intervals of explosive
exercises with short intervals of rest. These exercises could include power cleans, snatches, squat
jumps, power push-ups, and kettlebell swings.
These exercises are typically done to develop
explosive power, strength, and speed for sport
performance. Combining them with HIIT allows you
to build more muscle power while increasing fat
loss and cardiorespiratory conditioning.
With Power HIIT, both the exercise intervals and
the rest intervals last 20 seconds. So it works on
a 1:1 ratio of exercise to rest. This time frame
typically allows you to complete about 3 or 4 reps
during each exercise interval. This rep range is
perfect for building power. Then you get an equal
265
amount of time to recover to help you better maintain power on the next exercise interval. This 1:1
work-to-rest ratio can also help to build muscle
size, strength, and power by boosting testosterone
levels. The New Zealand study discussed earlier
found that cyclists performing 30-second high-powered sprints separated by 30 seconds of rest (1:1
work-to-rest ratio) increased their testosterone
levels by up to 100 percent.
For each exercise you do three exercise-to-rest
intervals and then move on to the next exercises.
This way you have worked at building power on
that exercise without completely exhausting the
specific muscles used on that move.
The power exercises in Power HIIT are very fast
and explosive. These fast reps primarily recruit the
fast-twitch muscle fibers, which grow the biggest,
strongest, and fastest. So it’s easy to understand
how using HIIT workouts can help you build muscle
and power. But the fast-twitch muscle fibers also
burn the most calories when you use them, as
discussed in chapter 11. Plus, most of the exercises in Power HIIT use so many muscle groups
that they also burn more calories that way, as also
discussed in chapter 11.
Power HIIT Workouts
Start each Power HIIT workout with a 5-minute HIIT
warm-up of rope jumping or jumping jacks. This
warm-up should be done in typical HIIT fashion
at a 2:1 ratio of jumping to rest. In this case, it’s
30 seconds of jumping followed by 15 seconds
of rest. You do 7 cycles of this for a total of 5
minutes. If you do the Power HIIT workouts after
weight training, then you do not need to do the
5-minute HIIT warm-up.
After the jump rope HIIT warm-up (see table
12.3), go right into the Power HIIT workout (see
table 12.4). You do three 20-second sets of each
exercise, taking 20 seconds of rest between sets
and exercises. In workout A, start with squat jumps
(chapter 21) for building leg power. Then you move
into power push-ups (chapter 14) for building power
in the chest and triceps. Next power cleans (chapter 25) are done with dumbbells or a barbell. Then
it’s on to medicine ball overhead throws (chapter
25). If you don’t have a medicine ball, you can
simply do band shoulder presses (chapter 15) or
even barbell or dumbbell push presses (chapter
25). Finish with the band standing crunch (chapter
24) to build strength and power in the midsection.
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
If bands are a problem, you can do a medicine ball
crunch throw (chapter 24) or even a regular crunch
with explosive reps on the positive rep.
Because you’ll want to repeat this workout
several times a week, I’ve provided a workout
B so you can alternate between the workouts
without hitting the same exercises in the same
order every time. In workout B, you start with the
kettlebell snatch (chapter 25). You can also do
this with a dumbbell as well if kettlebells are not
an option for you. Then you move into the band
sprint (chapter 26) and then calf jumps (chapter
23) to build strength and power in the calves.
Then do kettlebell swings (chapter 25), which can
also be done with a dumbbell, and finish with the
band woodchopper (chapter 24) (or you can use
a cable or a dumbbell) to build rotational power in
the upper body and strengthen the core. Since you
have to do both sides of the body, instead of doing
three sets of 20 seconds each, do two 20-second
sets on each side for a total of four sets.
In both workouts A and B you do five exercises
for three 20-second sets each (except in workout
B where you have an extra set for woodchoppers)
with 20-second rest periods; this totals 10 minutes. With the jump rope HIIT work for 5 minutes
and the 10 minutes of Power HIIT, that’s a total of
15 minutes of intense cardio that not only burns fat
and enhances cardiorespiratory fitness and health
but also builds overall muscle strength, power,
and mass. If your goal is to maximize muscle
mass, strength, and power, and cardio is more
of an afterthought, then keep it at this duration.
Work on increasing the weight on the exercises or
the number of reps you can bang out in those 20
seconds. If fat loss is your primary goal, as well as
the cardiorespiratory benefits that this novel form
of cardio offers, then you’ll want to progressively
bump up your total time of Power HIIT. I’ve offered
three stages to work up to; each stage increases
total Power HIIT time. Go at your own pace, and
when the 15-minute workout no longer is much of
a challenge, start on phase 2, which brings your
total HIIT workout to almost 20 minutes. Then
when that becomes less of a challenge, it’s time
to get serious and jump into phase 3, which brings
your total HIIT workout time to 25 minutes.
You can do the Power HIIT either at the beginning
or the end of your workouts or on a separate day.
It all depends on your major goals. If you’re using
Power HIIT to boost muscle power and athletic
performance, do this workout at the start of your
weight training or on a separate day from your
usual weight training altogether. If fat loss is the
primary goal with Power HIIT, you can do it either at
the beginning or at the end of your weight workouts
or on a separate day from weights.
TABLE 12.3 Jump Rope or Jumping Jacks
Workout
Do this workout at the start of each Power HIIT workout, regardless of the phase you are in.
Time
Exercise
30 sec
Jump rope or jumping jacks
15 sec
Rest
30 sec
Jump rope or jumping jacks
15 sec
Rest
30 sec
Jump
15 sec
Rest
30 sec
Jump
15 sec
Rest
30 sec
Jump
15 sec
Rest
30 sec
Jump
15 sec
Rest
30 sec
Jump
Total time: 300 sec (5 min)
TABLE 12.4 Power Cardio Workouts
PHASE 1, WORKOUT A
Time
Exercise
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
Total time: 9 min, 40 sec
PHASE 1, WORKOUT B
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
PHASE 1, WORKOUT B (continued)
Time
Exercise
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (right)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (left)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (right)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (left)
Total time: 10 min, 20 sec
PHASE 2, WORKOUT A
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
> continued
267
TABLE 12.4 Power Cardio Workouts (continued)
PHASE 2, WORKOUT A (continued)
Time
Exercise
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball reach and slam
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball reach and slam
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball reach and slam
Total time: 13 min, 40 sec
PHASE 2, WORKOUT B
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
268
PHASE 2, WORKOUT B (continued)
Time
Exercise
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball underhand throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball underhand throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball underhand throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (right)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (left)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (right)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (left)
Total time: 14 min, 20 sec
PHASE 3, WORKOUT A
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Squat jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power push-up
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
PHASE 3, WORKOUT A (continued)
Time
Exercise
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Power clean
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Heavy bag work
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band standing crunch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball reach and slam
20 sec
Rest
PHASE 3, WORKOUT A (continued)
Time
Exercise
20 sec
Medicine ball reach and slam
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball reach and slam
Total time: 19 min, 40 sec
PHASE 3, WORKOUT B
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band sprint
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Calf jump
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball underhand throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball underhand throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Medicine ball underhand throw
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
> continued
269
TABLE 12.4 Power Cardio Workouts (continued)
PHASE 3, WORKOUT B (continued)
Time
Exercise
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell snatch
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell swing
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
Cardioacceleration
Cardioacceleration refers to doing intervals of
cardio (anywhere from 30 to 90 seconds) in
between sets of resistance exercise. So, for example, on chest day, you would do one set of the
bench press; then instead of sitting on the bench
for 2 to 3 minutes resting, you perform 30 to 90
seconds of high-intensity cardio. Then you go do
the next set of bench presses and continue in this
manner throughout the entire workout.
Multiply those 30 to 90 seconds of cardio by the
number of sets you complete in each workout, and
it adds up. If you train chest, triceps, and abs, and
do 12 sets for chest, 9 sets for triceps, and 9 sets
for abs (30 total sets), and complete 60 seconds of
cardio between each set, then you just completed
30 minutes of high-intensity cardio during your
chest, triceps, and ab workout. That means that
you don’t have to spend extra time doing cardio
after the weight workout is over or on a separate
day. You can rest assured you’ve done your weight
training and your cardio, all in one fell swoop.
Although it may not be readily apparent, cardioacceleration is a form of HIIT. You are doing 30- to
90-second intervals of cardio and then moving on to
a set of weightlifting. Then you go back to the cardio
interval, and then back to the weight training interval.
Cardioacceleration is based on a study by University of California at Santa Cruz researchers.
Trained participants completing 30 to 60 seconds
of cardio in between sets of weight training for over
270
PHASE 3, WORKOUT B (continued)
Time
Exercise
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Kettlebell clean and jerk
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (right)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (left)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (right)
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
Band woodchopper (left)
Total time: 20 min, 20 sec
two months recovered better than those resting
normally between sets (Davis et al. 2008). Not only
does this method of HIIT allow for better recovery
after workouts, but it allows for greater recovery
between sets. It is surprising that this technique
works so well in aiding recovery between sets. In
fact, in my programs it has helped thousands of
men and women break PRs while getting leaner
at the same time. Many worry that doing cardio
in between sets will decrease strength in weightlifting, but as I have found, once the body adapts
to the cardioacceleration, it appears to enhance
strength and recovery between sets.
Another nice thing about cardioacceleration is
that it does not mean that you have to use the
treadmill or other typical form of cardio equipment. You can do the cardio interval right there
at the station where you are weight training. So,
for example, if you are doing the bench press, you
can do 30 to 90 seconds of bench step-ups on
the bench-press bench. If you’re doing dumbbell
flys, then do dumbbell cleans for cardio right next
to your bench. Or the simplest exercise of all is to
run in place. This way you do not lose your spot in
a busy gym. For good exercises to use for cardioacceleration, see chapter 26. Many exercises in
chapter 25 also work well for cardioacceleration.
Start at on the low end of scale with 30 seconds of cardio in between sets. Over time, you
can increase that by 15 seconds until you are
up to doing 90 seconds of cardioacceleration in
271
Cardio Training for Maximizing Fat Loss
between sets. For a sample training program that
uses cardioacceleration, see the TRX Cardioacceleration program (table 12.5) and Shortcut to
Shred program in chapter 13.
TABLE 12.5 TRX Cardioacceleration Workout
The TRX allows you to add body-weight resistance to
maximize fat loss. Since TRX exercises involve using the
body as resistance, they not only strengthen the core and
stabilizer muscles, but they also burn a lot of calories.
Adding cardioacceleration to the TRX workout burns even
more calories. Choose any exercise you prefer in between
sets of every exercise and between every exercise.
Exercise
TRX push-up
TRX inverted row
TRX one-leg squat
TRX pike push-up
TRX biceps curl
TRX triceps extension
TRX knee tuck
Sets/reps
3/15-20
3/15-20
3/15-20
3/15-20
3/15-20
3/15-20
3/15-20
SUMMARY
While there is much confusion regarding cardio,
this chapter should clarify the best type of cardio
to do and why, the best times to do it, and the
frequency of it. The sample HIIT workouts will
help you put that knowledge into practice and
maximize fat loss while optimizing performance
and gains in muscle mass. The variety of HIIT
forms will allow you to find a HIIT program that
best suits you. Now all that you have to do is get
out there and do it.
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CHAPTER 13
Programs for Maximizing
Fat Loss
The training programs in this chapter employ a
variety of the strength training techniques covered
in chapter 11 combined with the cardio techniques
covered in chapter 12. Many of these programs
have become very popular on the Internet. Over
the years I have received feedback from hundreds
of thousands of people following these plans. The
transformations have been nothing but spectacular, and many drop their percentage of body fat
by up to 10 percent while increasing their muscle
mass, strength, and endurance.
These programs are best suited for intermediate to advanced weightlifters and not typically for
beginners. Beginners should focus on the fundamentals of weight training with any of my beginner
programs along with the Beginner to Advanced HIIT
program. In fact, beginners will shed significant
body fat just from consistently following a weight
training program.
273
274
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Feel the Burn Workout
This workout program uses techniques covered in
chapter 11 for increasing fat loss. Each workout
starts with an explosive movement using fast-twitch
muscle fibers that burn the most calories. The workouts also incorporate a lot of multijoint exercises
to burn more calories before and after the workout.
They also employ both heavy weight for low reps to
boost metabolic rate after the workout and lighter
weight for high reps to boost calorie burn during
the workout. Rest periods are kept short to keep
the calorie burn up during and after the workout,
and some supersets are used to further the calorie
burn during the workout and after.
This workout program follows a four-day training
split (see table 13.1). However, to truly maximize
fat loss, do all four workouts back to back over four
days and rest on the fifth day. Then start over on
the sixth day and continue in this fashion. Be sure
to add some form of HIIT to this program, whether
it’s a block of standard HIIT done separately from
the workouts, cardioacceleration, or some form of
HIIT in between muscle groups.
TABLE 13.1 Feel the Burn Workout
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps
Power push-up
3/5-8
Bench press
3/6-8
Incline dumbbell press
3/6-8
Superset with incline dumbbell
3/20
fly
Cable crossover
3/25
Smith machine close-grip
3/5-8
bench press throw
Close-grip bench press
3/6-8
Cable lying triceps extension
3/20
Superset with triceps
3/20
pressdown
Hip thrust
4/to
failure
Superset with crossover
4/to
crunch
failure
WORKOUT 2: LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets/reps
Squat jump
3-3/5
Squat
4/6-8
Leg press
3/20
Leg extension
3/25
Superset with leg curl
3/25
Romanian deadlift
3/25
Standing calf raise
4/10
Superset with seated calf raise
4/30
Rest
30 sec
1-2 min
–
1 min
30 sec
30 sec
1-2 min
–
30 sec
–
30 sec
Rest
30 sec
1-2 min
30 sec
–
30 sec
30 sec
–
30 sec
WORKOUT 3: SHOULDERS, TRAPS, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps
Rest
Squat jump
2-3/5
30 sec
Medicine ball overhead throw
2-3/5
30 sec
Smith machine overhead press
3/6-8
1-2 min
Dumbbell overhead press
3/6-8
–
Superset with dumbbell lateral
3/20
1 min
raise
Dumbbell bent-over lateral raise
3/25
30 sec
Barbell shrug
4/6-8
1-2 min
Cable crunch
3/10
–
Superset with plank
3/to
30 sec
failure
Oblique cable crunch
3/20
–
WORKOUT 4: BACK, BICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Dumbbell power row
3/8
30 sec
Barbell bent-over row
4/6-8
1-2 min
Pulldown
4/6-8
–
Superset with straight-arm lat
4/20
1 min
pulldown
Seated cable row
3/25
30 sec
Smith machine curl throw
3/8
30 sec
Barbell curl
3/6-8
1-2 min
Incline dumbbell curl
3/20
–
Superset with prone incline
3/20
30 sec
dumbbell curl
Seated calf raise
4/10
–
Superset with leg press calf
4/20
30 sec
raise
Programs for Maximizing Fat Loss
275
Shortcut to Shred Program
This program uses periodization in a microcycle
fashion. It also uses two forms of periodization:
linear and reverse linear. The program splits each
muscle group into two workouts each week. The
first half of the week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) you train using mainly multijoint exercises. For
example, for chest you will only do presses using
both barbell and dumbbells. The second half of the
week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), when you
train each muscle group for the second time, use
mainly single-joint (isolation) exercises. For example, on chest you will do only fly exercises such as
dumbbell flys and cable crossovers.
The multijoint-focused workouts in the first half
of the week follow the linear periodized scheme
and get heavier each week. However, the single-joint-focused workouts in the second half of the
week follow a reverse linear periodization scheme
and therefore get lighter each week.
There are a few exceptions for obvious reasons.
For starters, there aren't any really useful multijoint
exercises for biceps. So the first biceps workout
each week you use barbell exercises, such as
barbell curls and barbell preacher curls, while the
second half of the week you use dumbbell and
cable biceps exercises. Another issue is that there
aren't many single-joint exercises for back, except
the straight-arm pulldown and similar movements.
So the first time you train your back each week,
use rowing exercises, such as the barbell bent-over
row and seated cable row. Then the second time
you train your back that week, use only pulldown
exercises as well as the single-joint straight-arm
pulldown. The other exceptions are abdominals,
calves, and forearms.
The weight workouts also enhance fat burning
because of the exercise selection and rep ranges.
The multijoint exercises increase the amount of
calories you burn during the workout. The higher-rep workouts also increase the number of calories burned during the workout. The heavy-weight
and low-rep workouts, on the other hand, help to
boost calorie and fat burn after the workout.
There are two three-week phases to this sixweek program (see table 13.2). In phase 1 you
start with reps in the range of 9 to 11 for the
multijoint-focused training in the first half of week
1. For the single-joint-focused work in the second
half of the week, you do reps in the range of 12
to 15. In week 2 for the multijoint-focused training
in the first half of the week, the weight increases
to drop the rep range down to 6 to 8 per set. The
second half of the week when you are doing the
single-joint-focused work, the weight is reduced to
allow reps to increase to 16 to 20 per set. Then
in the third and final week of phase 1, weight
increases again to drop reps down to just 2 to 5
per set on the multijoint-focused workouts in the
first half of the week. And in the second half of
the week during the single-joint-focused workouts,
weight decreases again and reps go up to 21 to
30 per set.
In phase 2 the cycle repeats again. So in the
first week, which is week 4 of the program, the
weight is reduced to allow the reps to go back to
9 to 11 per set during the first half of the week
for the multijoint-focused workouts. And the weight
increases for the single-joint-focused work in the
second half of the week to bring the reps back
down to 12 to 15 per set. And each week it follows
just as in phase 1. However, the major difference
in phase 2 is that the majority of exercises are
different except for a few of the staple exercises
that are key for strength. Changing up the exercises allows you to target slightly different fibers
in the muscles for the best overall gains in size.
To enhance fat loss, not to mention aid recovery,
this program uses cardioacceleration in between
each set in every workout. If you keep moving from
exercise to exercise without taking any rest before
or after the cardioacceleration, you can complete
most of these workouts in under an hour. That’s less
than an hour for both weight training and cardio.
I’ve also included an intensity technique that I
call cardioaccelerated rest-pause/drop sets. On
the last set of each exercise you take that set
to muscle failure. Then you rack the weight and
“rest” 15 to 20 seconds. I say “rest” because you
won’t really rest. You will do cardioacceleration by
running in place for those 15 to 20 seconds. Then
you pick up the weight again and continue doing
reps for that exercises until you reach muscle
failure again. But you’re not finished yet. Now you
immediately decrease the weight you are using
by 20 to 30 percent and continue doing reps of
that exercise until you reach muscle failure again.
Now you are finally finished with that exercise
and can move on to the next one. For body-weight
exercises, or exercises where the weight is so
light that you cannot do a drop set, you will do
276
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
two cardioaccelerated rest-pause/drop sets. So
after reaching muscle failure on the last set of an
exercise, immediately go into 15 to 20 seconds
of running in place. Then continue doing reps of
that exercise until you reach muscle failure again.
Then immediately do another 15 to 20 seconds of
running in place, and then immediately do more
reps of that exercise until you reach muscle failure
yet again. Now you are finally finished with that
exercise.
TABLE 13.2 Shortcut to Shred Program
WEEK 1
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTIJOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
4*
9-11
Incline dumbbell press
3*
9-11
Decline Smith machine press
3*
9-11
Dip
4*
9-11
Close-grip bench press
4*
9-11
Cable crunch
3*
9-11
Smith machine hip thrust
3*
9-11
WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell shoulder press
4*
9-11
Alternating dumbbell shoulder press
3*
9-11
(standing)
Smith machine one-arm upright row
3*
9-11
Squat
4*
9-11
Deadlift
3*
9-11
Walking lunge
3*
9-11
Standing calf raise
3*
9-11
Seated calf raise
3*
9-11
WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell bent-over row
4*
9-11
Dumbbell bent-over row
3*
9-11
Seated cable row
3*
9-11
Barbell shrug
4*
9-11
Barbell curl
3*
9-11
Barbell or EZ-bar preacher curl
3*
9-11
Reverse-grip barbell curl
3*
9-11
Barbell wrist curl
3*
9-11
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Incline dumbbell fly
4*
12-15
Dumbbell fly
3*
12-15
Cable crossover
3*
12-15
Triceps pressdown
3*
12-15
Overhead dumbbell extension
3*
12-15
*On the last set do cardioaccelerated rest-pause/drop sets.
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT) (cont.)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Cable lying triceps extension
3*
12-15
Crunch
3*
12-15
Standing oblique cable crunch
3*
12-15
WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell lateral raise
4*
12-15
Barbell front raise
3*
12-15
Dumbbell bent-over lateral raise
3*
12-15
Leg extension
4*
12-15
Leg curl
4*
12-15
Seated calf raise
3*
12-15
Donkey or leg press calf raise
3*
12-15
WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Lat pulldown
4*
12-15
Reverse-grip pulldown
3*
12-15
Straight-arm pulldown
3*
12-15
Smith machine behind-the-back shrug 4*
12-15
Incline dumbbell curl
3*
12-15
High cable curl
3*
12-15
Rope cable curl
3*
12-15
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
3*
12-15
WEEK 2
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTIJOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
4*
6-8
Incline dumbbell press
3*
6-8
Decline smith machine press
3*
6-8
Dip
4*
6-8
Close-grip bench press
4*
6-8
Cable crunch
3*
7-8
Smith machine hip thrust
3*
7-8
WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell shoulder press
4*
6-8
Alternating dumbbell shoulder press
3*
6-8
(standing)
WEEK 2 (continued)
WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES (continued)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Smith machine one-arm upright row
3*
6-8
Squat
4*
6-8
Deadlift
3*
6-8
Walking lunge
3*
6-8
Standing calf raise
3*
7-8
Seated calf raise
3*
7-8
WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell bent-over row
4*
6-8
Dumbbell bent-over row
3*
6-8
Seated cable row
3*
6-8
Barbell shrug
4*
6-8
Barbell curl
3*
6-8
Barbell or EZ-bar preacher curl
3*
6-8
Reverse-grip barbell curl
3*
6-8
Barbell wrist curl
3*
6-8
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Incline dumbbell fly
4*
16-20
Dumbbell fly
3*
16-20
Cable crossover
3*
16-20
Triceps pressdown
3*
16-20
Overhead dumbbell extension
3*
16-20
Cable lying triceps extension
3*
16-20
Crunch
3*
16-20
Standing oblique cable crunch
3*
16-20
WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell lateral raise
4*
16-20
Barbell front raise
3*
16-20
Dumbbell bent-over lateral raise
3*
16-20
Leg extension
4*
16-20
Leg curl
4*
16-20
Seated calf raise
3*
16-20
Donkey or leg press calf raise
3*
16-20
WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Lat pulldown
4*
16-20
Reverse-grip pulldown
3*
16-20
Straight-arm pulldown
3*
16-20
Smith machine behind-the-back shrug 4*
16-20
Incline dumbbell curl
3*
16-20
High cable curl
3*
16-20
Rope cable curl
3*
16-20
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
3*
16-20
WEEK 3
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTIJOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
4*
2-5
Incline dumbbell press
3*
2-5
Decline Smith machine press
3*
2-5
Dip
4*
2-5
Close-grip bench press
4*
2-5
Cable crunch
3*
5-6
Smith machine hip thrust
3*
5-6
WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell shoulder press
4*
2-5
Alternating dumbbell shoulder press
3*
2-5
(standing)
Smith machine one-arm upright row
3*
4-5
Squat
4*
2-5
Deadlift
3*
2-5
Walking lunge
3*
4-5
Standing calf raise
3*
5-6
Seated calf raise
3*
5-6
WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell bent-over row
4*
2-5
Dumbbell bent-over row
3*
2-5
Seated cable row
3*
2-5
Barbell shrug
4*
2-5
Barbell curl
3*
2-5
Barbell or EZ-bar preacher curl
3*
4-5
Reverse-grip barbell curl
3*
4-5
Barbell wrist curl
3*
4-5
*On the last set do cardioaccelerated rest-pause/drop sets.
> continued
277
TABLE 13.2 Shortcut to Shred Program (continued)
WEEK 3 (continued)
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Incline dumbbell fly
4*
21-30
Dumbbell fly
3*
21-30
Cable crossover
3*
21-30
Triceps pressdown
3*
21-30
Overhead dumbbell extension
3*
21-30
Cable lying triceps extension
3*
21-30
Crunch
3*
21-30
Standing oblique cable crunch
3*
21-30
WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell lateral raise
4*
21-30
Barbell front raise
3*
21-30
Dumbbell bent-over lateral raise
3*
21-30
Leg extension
4*
21-30
Leg curl
4*
21-30
Seated calf raise
3*
21-30
Donkey or leg press calf raise
3*
21-30
WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Lat pulldown
4*
21-30
Reverse-grip pulldown
3*
21-30
Straight-arm pulldown
3*
21-30
Smith machine behind-the-back shrug 4*
21-30
Incline dumbbell curl
3*
21-30
High cable curl
3*
21-30
Rope cable curl
3*
21-30
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
3*
21-30
WEEK 4
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTIJOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
4*
9-11
Incline bench press
3*
9-11
Decline dumbbell press
3*
9-11
Dip
4*
9-11
Close-grip bench press
4*
9-11
Smith machine crunch
3*
9-11
Hanging leg raise
3*
9-11
*On the last set do cardioaccelerated rest-pause/drop sets.
278
WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell shoulder press
4*
9-11
Dumbbell shoulder press (seated)
3*
9-11
Dumbbell upright row
3*
9-11
Squat
4*
9-11
Deadlift
3*
9-11
Leg press
3*
9-11
Standing calf raise
3*
9-11
Seated calf raise
3*
9-11
WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell bent-over row
4*
9-11
Incline dumbbell row
3*
9-11
Seated cable row
3*
9-11
Barbell shrug
4*
9-11
Barbell curl
3*
9-11
Seated barbell curl
3*
9-11
Reverse-grip barbell or EZ-bar curl
3*
9-11
Behind-the-back wrist curl
3*
9-11
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Cable crossover from low pulley
4*
12-15
Cable crossover
3*
12-15
Dumbbell fly
3*
12-15
Overhead cable triceps extension
3*
12-15
Lying triceps extension
3*
12-15
Rope triceps pressdown
3*
12-15
Crossover crunch
3*
12-15
Cable woodchopper
3*
12-15
WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell lateral raise
4*
12-15
Cable front raise
3*
12-15
Lying cable rear delt fly
3*
12-15
Leg extension
4*
12-15
Leg curl
4*
12-15
Seated calf raise
3*
12-15
Donkey or leg press calf raise
3*
12-15
WEEK 4 (continued)
WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Lat pulldown
4*
12-15
Behind-the-neck pulldown
3*
12-15
Rope straight-arm pulldown
3*
12-15
Dumbbell shrug
4*
12-15
EZ-bar cable curl
3*
12-15
Incline dumbbell curl
3*
12-15
Dumbbell hammer curl
3*
12-15
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
3*
12-15
WEEK 5
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTIJOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
4*
6-8
Incline bench press
3*
6-8
Decline dumbbell press
3*
6-8
Dip
4*
6-8
Close-grip bench press
4*
6-8
Smith machine crunch
3*
7-8
Hanging leg raise**
3*
7-8
WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell shoulder press
4*
6-8
Dumbbell shoulder press (seated)
3*
6-8
Dumbbell upright row
3*
6-8
Squat
4*
6-8
Deadlift
3*
6-8
Leg press
3*
6-8
Standing calf raise
3*
7-8
Seated calf raise
3*
7-8
WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell bent-over row
4*
6-8
Incline dumbbell row
3*
6-8
Seated cable row
3*
6-8
Barbell shrug
4*
6-8
Barbell curl
3*
6-8
Seated barbell curl
3*
6-8
Reverse-grip barbell or EZ-bar curl
3*
6-8
Behind-the-back wrist curl
3*
6-8
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Cable crossover from low pulley
4*
16-20
Cable crossover
3*
16-20
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT) (cont.)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell fly
3*
16-20
Overhead cable triceps extension
3*
16-20
Lying triceps extension
3*
16-20
Rope triceps pressdown
3*
16-20
Crossover crunch
3*
16-20
Cable woodchopper
3*
16-20
WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell lateral raise
4*
16-20
Cable front raise
3*
16-20
Lying cable rear delt fly
3*
16-20
Leg extension
4*
16-20
Leg curl
4*
16-20
Seated calf raise
3*
16-20
Donkey or leg press calf raise
3*
16-20
WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Lat pulldown
4*
16-20
Behind-the-neck pulldown
3*
16-20
Rope straight-arm pulldown
3*
16-20
Dumbbell shrug
4*
16-20
EZ-bar cable curl
3*
16-20
Incline dumbbell curl
3*
16-20
Dumbbell hammer curl
3*
16-20
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
3*
16-20
WEEK 6
WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTIJOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Bench press
4*
2-5
Incline bench press
3*
2-5
Decline dumbbell press
3*
2-5
Dips
4*
2-5
Close-grip bench press
4*
2-5
Smith machine crunch
3*
4-5
Hanging leg raise**
3*
4-5
WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell shoulder press
4*
2-5
Dumbbell shoulder press (seated)
3*
2-5
Dumbbell upright row
3*
2-5
Squat
4*
2-5
Deadlift
3*
2-5
*On the last set do cardioaccelerated rest-pause/drop sets.
**Use ankle weights or hold dumbbell between feet if needed.
> continued
279
280
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
TABLE 13.2 Shortcut to Shred Program (continued)
WEEK 6 (continued)
WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES (continued)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Leg press
3*
2-5
Standing calf raise
3*
4-5
Seated calf raise
3*
4-5
WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Barbell bent-over row
4*
2-5
Incline dumbbell row
3*
2-5
Seated cable row
3*
2-5
Barbell shrug
4*
2-5
Barbell curl
3*
2-5
Seated barbell curl
3*
2-5
Reverse-grip barbell or EZ-bar curl
3*
4-5
Behind-the-back wrist curl
3*
4-5
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Cable crossover from low pulley
4*
21-30
Cable crossover
3*
21-30
Dumbbell fly
3*
21-30
Overhead cable triceps extension
3*
21-30
Lying triceps extension
3*
21-30
*On the last set do cardioaccelerated rest-pause/drop sets.
**Use ankle weights or hold dumbbell between feet if needed.
WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT) (cont.)
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Rope triceps pressdown
3*
21-30
Crossover crunch
3*
21-30
Cable woodchopper
3*
21-30
WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell lateral raise
4*
21-30
Cable front raise
3*
21-30
Lying cable rear delt fly
3*
21-30
Leg extension
4*
21-30
Leg curl
4*
21-30
Seated calf raise
3*
21-30
Donkey or leg press calf raise
3*
21-30
WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
Exercise
Sets
Reps
Lat pulldown
4*
21-30
Behind-the-neck pulldown
3*
21-30
Rope straight-arm pulldown
3*
21-30
Dumbbell shrug
4*
21-30
EZ-bar cable curl
3*
21-30
Incline dumbbell curl
3*
21-30
Dumbbell hammer curl
3*
21-30
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
3*
21-30
Super Shredded 8 Program
This program, also known as SS8 (see table 13.3),
incorporates numerous techniques to maximize
fat burning while building muscle mass. The first
is compound sets, which are supersets that pair
exercises for the same muscle group. For each
superset, one exercise is done with heavy weight
for low reps and the other exercise is done with light
weight for high reps. Typically the first exercise in
the first superset pair is heavy weight for low reps.
The first exercise for most muscle groups is typically a multijoint exercise, while the second one is a
single-joint exercise. Then the second superset pair
is typically done in the reverse order: light weight for
high reps first and the heavy one second. For many
muscle groups, this second exercise pair is done
as a preexhaust superset; a single-joint (isolation)
exercise is first with lighter weight and a multijoint
exercise is next with heavy weight second.
Every two weeks the SS8 program progresses.
The heavy exercises progress in a linear periodized
fashion, so they get heavier and you complete
fewer reps per set every two weeks. And every two
weeks the light exercises progress in a reverse
linear periodized fashion to get lighter and you
perform more reps per set. This progression will
help you get bigger and stronger as well as leaner,
because it will further boost the calories burned
during and after the workout.
Another change that occurs every two weeks on
SS8 is rest between sets. Start off in weeks 1 and
2 allowing one minute of rest between supersets.
But every two weeks the rest period drops by 15
seconds. So in weeks 3 and 4 you are allowed 45
seconds of rest, in weeks 5 and 6 you get only 30
seconds of rest, and in weeks 7 and 8 you get 15
seconds of rest, which is basically get no real rest
Programs for Maximizing Fat Loss
period, between supersets. You go back and forth
between the two exercises with no rest other than
the time it takes to move into that next exercise,
which is about 15 seconds. You do this until all
three or four supersets are completed. Then you
immediately move into the next superset.
The other addition to this program for maximal
fat loss is the use of Tabata HIIT in between muscle
groups. For example, on the chest, shoulders, and
triceps workouts when you finish the last chest
superset, do Tabata HIIT before you move on to
supersets for shoulders. And after finishing shoulders, do Tabata HIIT before moving on to triceps.
At the end of the workout, finish with more Tabata
HIIT work. For info on Tabatas, see chapter 12.
281
Since the rest periods decrease every two
weeks, you cannot use cardioacceleration (see
chapter 12) properly with this program. So the
next best thing, or maybe even the better thing, is
Tabata HIIT in between muscle groups. In weeks
1 and 2 do just one Tabata exercise in between
muscle groups for a total time of 12 minutes of
Tabata per workout. But in week 3 that increases
to two exercises done Tabata style between
muscle groups for a total of six exercises and a
total time of 24 minutes of Tabatas. If you are
well conditioned and accustomed to HIIT, then
you can consider starting in weeks 1 and 2 with
two Tabata exercises between each muscle group
trained.
TABLE 13.3 Super Shredded 8 Program
WEEKS 1, 2
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Bench press
3/9-10
–
Superset with dumbbell fly
3/12-15 1 min
Incline dumbbell fly
3/12-15
–
Superset with incline dumbbell
3/9-10 1 min
press
Push-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell shoulder press
3/9-10
–
Superset with dumbbell lateral
3/12-15 1 min
raise
Bent-over dumbbell lateral raise
3/12-15
–
Superset with dumbbell upright row 3/9-10 1 min
Kettlebell/dumbbell swing*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Close-grip bench press
2/9-10
–
Superset with lying triceps
2/12-15 1 min
extension
Triceps pressdown
2/12-15
–
Superset with overhead cable
2/9-10 1 min
triceps extension
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Squat jump
3/3-5
–
Superset with leg extension
3/12-15 1 min
Front squat
3/12-15
–
Superset with squat
3/9-10 1 min
Leg curl
3/12-15
–
*Do these exercises Tabata style.
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS (cont.)
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Superset with dumbbell Romanian 3/9-10 1 min
deadlift
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Leg press calf raise
3/12
–
Superset with body-weight
3/to
1 min
standing calf raise
failure
Lunge*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Hanging leg raise
3/to
–
failure
Superset with oblique crunch
3/to
1 min
failure
Crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Barbell row
3/9-10
–
Superset with reverse-grip barbell 3/12-15 30 sec
row
Straight-arm pulldown
3/12-15
–
Superset with wide-grip pulldown
3/9-10 30 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell shrug
3/9-10
–
Superset with behind-the-back
3/12-15 30 sec
barbell shrug
Dumbbell clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated barbell curl
2/9-10
–
Superset with barbell curl
2/12-15 30 sec
> continued
TABLE 13.3 Super Shredded 8 Program (continued)
WEEKS 1, 2 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS (continued)
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Prone incline dumbbell curl
2/12-15
–
Superset with dumbbell incline curl 2/9-10 30 sec
Barbell wrist curl
2/9-10
–
Superset with barbell reverse
2/12-15 30 sec
wrist curl
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Incline bench press
3/9-10
–
Superset with incline dumbbell fly 3/12-15 1 min
Low cable crossover
3/12-15
–
Superset with cable crossover
3/9-10 1 min
Push-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the-neck
4/9-10
–
shoulder press
Superset with Smith machine
3/12-15 1 min
upright row
Cable rear delt fly
3/12-15
–
Superset with cable lateral raise
3/9-10 1 min
Kettlebell/dumbbell swing*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Lying triceps extension
2/9-10
–
Superset with bench dip
2/12-15 1 min
Reverse-grip triceps pressdown
2/12-15
–
Superset with triceps pressdown
2/9-10 1 min
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Squat
3/9-10
–
Superset with lunge
3/12-15 1 min
One-leg press (alternating legs)
3/12-15
–
Superset with leg press
3/9-10 1 min
Deadlift
3/9-10
–
Superset with Romanian deadlift 3/12-15 1 min
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated calf raise
3/12
–
3/to
1 min
Superset with body-weight standing calf raise
failure
Lunge*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable crunch
3/12
–
Superset with oblique crunch
3/12
1 min
Reverse crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
*Do these exercises Tabata style.
282
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Pulldown
3/9-10
–
Superset with reverse-grip
3/12-15 1 min
pulldown
Straight-arm pulldown
3/12-15
–
Superset with standing pulldown
3/9-10 1 min
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the-back
3/9-10
–
shrug
Superset with Smith machine shrug 3/12-15 1 min
Dumbbell clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
EZ-bar curl
2/9-10
–
Superset with EZ-bar preacher curl 2/12-15 1 min
Dumbbell incline curl
2/12-15
–
Superset with standing dumbbell
2/9-10 1 min
alternating curl
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
2/9-10
–
Superset with dumbbell wrist curl 2/12-15 1 min
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WEEKS 3, 4
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Bench press
3/7-8
–
Superset with dumbbell fly
3/16-20 45 sec
Incline dumbbell fly
3/16-20
–
Superset with incline dumbbell
3/7-8 45 sec
press
Push-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell shoulder press
3/7-8
–
Superset with dumbbell lateral
3/16-20 45 sec
raise
Bent-over dumbbell lateral raise
3/16-20
–
Superset with dumbbell upright row 3/7-8 45 sec
Kettlebell/dumbbell swing*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine hang power clean* 8/20 sec 10 sec
Close-grip bench press
2/7-8
–
Superset with lying triceps exten- 2/16-20 45 sec
sion
Triceps pressdown
2/16-20
–
Superset with overhead cable
2/7-8 45 sec
triceps extension
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Burpee*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WEEKS 3, 4 (continued)
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Squat jump
3/5-6
–
Superset with leg extension
3/16-20 45 sec
Front squat
3/16-20
–
Superset with squat
3/7-8 45 sec
Leg curl
3/16-20
–
Superset with dumbbell Romanian 3/7-8 45 sec
deadlift
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Leg press calf raise
3/15
–
3/to
45 sec
Superset with body-weight standing calf raise
failure
Lunge*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Mountain climber*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Hanging leg raise
3/to
–
failure
Superset with oblique crunch
3/to
45 sec
failure
Crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable woodchopper*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Barbell row
3/7-8
–
Superset with reverse-grip barbell 3/16-20 45 sec
row
Straight-arm pulldown
3/16-20
–
Superset with wide-grip pulldown
3/7-8 45 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench step-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell shrug
3/7-8
–
Superset with behind-the-back
3/16-20 45 sec
barbell shrug
Dumbbell clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench hop-over*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated barbell curl
2/7-8
–
Superset with barbell curl
2/16-20 45 sec
Prone incline dumbbell curl
2/16-20
–
Superset with dumbbell incline curl 2/7-8 45 sec
Barbell wrist curl
2/7-8
–
Superset with barbell reverse wrist 2/16-20 45 sec
curl
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
*Do these exercises Tabata style.
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Incline bench press
3/7-8
–
Superset with incline dumbbell fly 3/16-20 45 sec
Low cable crossover
3/15-20
–
Superset with cable crossover
3/7-8 45 sec
Push-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the-neck
4/7-8
–
shoulder press
Superset with Smith machine
3/16-20 45 sec
upright row
Cable rear delt fly
3/16-20
–
Superset with cable lateral raise
3/7-8 45 sec
Kettlebell/dumbbell swing*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine power clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Lying triceps extension
2/7-8
–
Superset with bench dip
2/16-20 45 sec
Reverse-grip triceps pressdown
2/16-20
–
Superset with triceps pressdown
2/7-8 45 sec
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Burpees*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Squat
3/7-8
–
Superset with lunge
3/15-20 45 sec
One-leg press (alternating legs)
3/16-20
–
Superset with leg press
3/7-8 45 sec
Deadlift
3/7-8
–
Superset with Romanian deadlift 3/16-20 45 sec
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated calf raise
3/15
–
3/to
45 sec
Superset with body-weight standing calf raise
failure
Lunge*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Mountain climber*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable crunch
3/10
–
Superset with oblique crunch
3/15
45 sec
Reverse crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell roll-out*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Pulldown
3/7-8
–
Superset with reverse-grip pulldown 3/16-20 45 sec
> continued
283
TABLE 13.3 Super Shredded 8 Program (continued)
WEEKS 3, 4 (continued)
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS (continued)
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Straight-arm pulldown
3/16-20
–
Superset with standing pulldown
3/7-8 45 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench step-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the-back
3/7-8
–
shrug
Superset with Smith machine shrug 3/16-20 45 sec
Dumbbell clean
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench hop-over*
8/20 sec 10 sec
EZ-bar curl
2/7-8
–
Superset with EZ-bar preacher curl 2/16-20 45 sec
Dumbbell incline curl
2/16-20
–
Superset with standing dumbbell
2/7-8 45 sec
alternating curl
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
2/7-8
–
Superset with dumbbell wrist curl 2/16-20 45 sec
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WEEKS 5, 6
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Bench press
4/5-6
–
Superset with dumbbell fly
4/21-25 30 sec
Incline dumbbell fly
4/21-25
–
Superset with incline dumbbell
4/5-6 30 sec
press
Push-up
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell shoulder press
4/5-6
–
Superset with Dumbbell lateral
4/21-25 30 sec
raise
Bent-over dumbbell lateral raise
4/21-25
–
Superset with dumbbell upright
4/5-6 30 sec
row
Kettlebell/dumbbell swing*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine power clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Close-grip bench press
3/5-6
–
Superset with lying triceps exten- 3/21-25 30 sec
sion
Triceps pressdown
3/21-25
–
Superset with overhead cable
3/5-6 30 sec
triceps extension
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Burpee*
8/20 sec 10 sec
*Do these exercises Tabata style.
284
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Squat jump
4/7-8
–
Superset with leg extension
4/21-25 30 sec
Front squat
4/21-25
–
Superset with squat
4/5-6 30 sec
Leg curl
4/21-25
–
Superset with dumbbell Romanian 4/5-6 30 sec
deadlift
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Leg press calf raise
4/20
–
Superset with body-weight standing
4/to
30 sec
calf raise
failure
Lunge*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Mountain climber*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Hanging leg raise
4/to
–
failure
Superset with oblique crunch
4/to
30 sec
failure
Crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable woodchopper*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Barbell row
4/5-6
–
Superset with reverse-grip barbell 4/21-25 30 sec
row
Straight-arm pulldown
4/21-25
–
Superset with wide-grip pulldown
4/5-6 30 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench step-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell shrug
4/5-6
–
Superset with behind-the-back
4/21-25 30 sec
barbell shrug
Dumbbell clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench hop-over*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated barbell curl
3/5-6
–
Superset with barbell curl
3/21-25 30 sec
Prone incline dumbbell curl
3/21-25
–
Superset with dumbbell incline curl 3/5-6 30 sec
Barbell wrist curl
3/5-6
–
Superset with barbell reverse
3/21-25 30 sec
wrist curl
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WEEKS 5, 6 (continued)
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Incline bench press
4/5-6
–
Superset with incline dumbbell fly 4/21-25 30 sec
Low cable crossover
4/21-25
–
Superset with cable crossover
4/5-6 30 sec
Push-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the-neck
4/5-6
–
shoulder press
Superset with Smith machine
4/21-25 30 sec
upright row
Cable rear delt fly
4/21-25
–
Superset with cable lateral raise
4/5-6 30 sec
Kettlebell/dumbbell swing*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine hang power clean* 8/20 sec 10 sec
Lying triceps extension
3/5-6
–
Superset with bench dip
3/21-25 30 sec
Reverse-grip triceps pressdown
3/21-25
–
Superset with triceps pressdown
3/5-6 30 sec
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Burpee*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Squat
4/5-6
–
Superset with lunge
4/21-25 30 sec
One-leg press (alternating legs)
4/21-25
–
Superset with leg press
4/5-6 30 sec
Deadlift
4/5-6
–
Superset with Romanian deadlift 4/21-25 30 sec
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated calf raise
4/20
–
Superset with body-weight standing
4/to
30 sec
calf raise
failure
Lunges*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Mountain climber*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable crunch
4/8
–
Superset with oblique crunch
4/20
30 sec
Reverse crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell roll-out*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Pulldown
4/5-6
–
Superset with reverse-grip puldown 4/21-25 30 sec
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS (continued)
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Straight-arm pulldown
4/21-25
–
Superset with standing pulldown
4/5-6 30 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench step-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the-back
4/5-6
–
shrug
Superset with Smith machine shrug 3/21-25 30 sec
Dumbbell clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench hop-over*
8/20 sec 10 sec
EZ-bar curl
3/5-6
–
Superset with EZ-bar preacher curl 3/21-25 30 sec
Dumbbell incline curl
3/21-25
–
Superset with Standing dumbbell
3/5-6 30 sec
alternating curl
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
3/5-6
–
Superset with Dumbbell wrist curl 3/21-25 30 sec
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WEEKS 7, 8
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Bench press
4/3-4
–
Superset with dumbbell fly
4/26-30 15 sec
Incline dumbbell fly
4/26-30
–
Superset with incline dumbbell
4/3-4 15 sec
press
Push-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell shoulder press
4/3-4
–
Superset with dumbbell lateral
4/26-30 15 sec
raise
Bent-over dumbbell lateral raise
4/26-30
–
Superset with dumbbell upright row 4/3-4 15 sec
Kettlebell/dumbbell swing*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine power clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Close-grip bench press
3/3-4
–
Superset with lying triceps exten- 3/26-30 15 sec
sion
Triceps pressdown
3/26-30
–
Superset with overhead cable
3/3-4 15 sec
triceps extension
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Burpee*
8/20 sec 10 sec
> continued
*Do these exercises Tabata style.
285
TABLE 13.3 Super Shredded 8 Program (continued)
WEEKS 7, 8 (continued)
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Squat jump
4/9-10
–
Superset with leg extension
4/26-30 15 sec
Front squat
4/26-30
–
Superset with squat
4/3-4 15 sec
Leg curl
4/26-30
–
Superset with dumbbell Romanian 4/3-4 15 sec
deadlift
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Leg press calf raise
4/25
–
Superset with body-weight standing
4/to
15 sec
calf raise
failure
Lunges*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Mountain climber*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Hanging leg raise
4/to
–
failure
Superset with oblique crunch
4/to
15 sec
failure
Crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable woodchopper*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Barbell row
4/3-4
–
Superset with reverse-grip barbell 4/26-30 15 sec
row
Straight-arm pulldown
4/26-30
–
Superset with wide-grip pulldown
4/3-4 15 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench step-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell shrug
4/3-4
–
Superset with behind-the-back
4/26-30 15 sec
barbell shrug
Dumbbell clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench hop-over*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated barbell curl
3/3-4
–
Superset with barbell curl
3/26-30 15 sec
Prone incline dumbbell curl
3/26-30
–
Superset with dumbbell incline
3/3-4 15 sec
curl
Barbell wrist curl
3/3-4
–
Superset with barbell reverse
3/26-30 15 sec
wrist curl
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
*Do these exercises Tabata style.
286
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, SHOULDERS, TRICEPS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Incline bench press
4/3-4
–
Superset with incline dumbbell fly 4/26-30 15 sec
Low cable crossover
4/26-30
–
Superset with cable crossover
4/3-4 15 sec
Push-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the-neck
4/3-4
–
shoulder press
Superset with Smith machine
4/26-30 15 sec
upright row
Cable rear delt fly
4/26-30
–
Superset with cable lateral raise
4/3-4 15 sec
Kettlebell/dumbbell swing*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine hang power clean* 8/20 sec 10 sec
Lying triceps extension
3/3-4
–
Superset with bench dip
3/26-30 15 sec
Reverse-grip triceps pressdown
3/26-30
–
Superset with triceps pressdown
3/3-4 15 sec
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Burpee*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, CALVES, ABS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Squat
4/3-4
–
Superset with lunge
4/26-30 15 sec
One-leg press (alternating legs)
4/26-30
–
Superset with leg press
4/3-4 15 sec
Deadlift
4/3-4
–
Superset with Romanian deadlift 4/25-30 15 sec
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated calf raise
4/25
–
Superset with body-weight standing
4/to
15 sec
calf raise
failure
Lunge
8/20 sec 10 sec
Mountain climber*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable crunch
4/6
–
Superset with oblique crunch
4/25
15 sec
Reverse crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell roll-out*
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Pulldown
4/3-4
–
Superset with reverse-grip pulldown 4/26-30 15 sec
Programs for Maximizing Fat Loss
WEEKS 7, 8 (continued)
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS (continued)
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
Straight-arm pulldown
4/26-30
–
Superset with standing pulldown
4/3-4 15 sec
Kettlebell snatch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench step-up*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the-back
4/3-4
–
shrug
Superset with Smith machine shrug 3/26-30 15 sec
Dumbbell clean*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Bench hop-over*
8/20 sec 10 sec
287
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): BACK, TRAPS,
BICEPS, FOREARMS (continued)
Exercise
Sets/reps Rest
EZ-bar curl
3/3-4
–
Superset with EZ-bar preacher curl 3/26-30 15 sec
Dumbbell incline curl
3/26-30
–
Superset with standing dumbbell
3/3-4 15 sec
alternating curl
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
3/3-4
–
Superset with dumbbell wrist curl 3/26-30 15 sec
Dead landmine*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Jumping jack*
8/20 sec 10 sec
*Do these exercises Tabata style.
HIIT 100s
In HIIT 100s, I have not just combined HIIT with
weights, but I have combined HIIT with two very
popular, very intense, and very effective weight
training techniques: hundreds training and German
volume training (GVT). German volume training is
also known as 10 × 10 training. You do 10 sets of
10 reps. This technique is used in chapter 9 in the
5 × 10 program. As the name implies, hundreds
training involves doing 100-rep sets.
With HIIT 100s you start each workout by doing
10 sets of 10 reps for one exercise per muscle
group. The HIIT comes from the rest periods
between those 10 sets. Start with just 60 seconds of rest between sets and progressively drop
it down by 10 seconds over the 6 weeks, until you
have no rest and you're doing 100 reps straight
through. And that brings us to hundreds training.
By the way, 10 sets of 10 reps is also 100 reps.
And when you're resting only 10 or 20 seconds
between sets in the last few weeks of the program,
it feels just like you're doing 100 reps straight
through. Most people are not able to complete all
100 reps straight through on HIIT 100s exercises
in week 6. Don't worry. If you fail to reach 100
reps, simply rest as many seconds as you have
reps left to complete until you hit 100 reps. For
example, if you hit only 70 reps straight through,
then rest 30 seconds and continue.
You start each workout doing one exercise per
muscle group using HIIT 100s. Then follow that by
doing three more sets of the same exercise using
your 10-rep max (a weight that you can normally get
for 10 reps). Of course, after doing 10 sets of 10
reps, you will no longer be able to complete 10 full
reps with your 10-rep max weight. You will likely be
able to complete only about 5 to 7 reps. On the third
set, do a drop set by dropping down to the weight
that you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as
possible before you reach muscle failure. Then you
do three sets of one or two more exercises for that
same muscle group, depending on the muscle group.
Rest between all sets after the HIIT 100s exercise
will be only one minute to maximize fat burning.
Follow the muscle-group-specific weight training
with a final HIIT 100s using a full-body weight
exercise, such as barbell or dumbbell cleans,
kettlebell swings, barbell or dumbbell deadlifts,
barbell or dumbbell snatches, one-arm kettlebell
or dumbbell snatch, or my unique lift known as the
dead curl press.
On the HIIT 100s sets during weeks 1 through
3 when rest periods are 30 seconds or more, perform the first 3 sets of 10 as fast and explosively
as possible. This will help to build more muscle
power and strength, despite using such light
weight. Then for sets 4 through 6, do them slowly
and in control, focusing on the contraction with
each rep and squeezing each rep at the top for 1
to 2 seconds. This helps to build the mind–muscle
connection, which is critical for muscle size, shape,
and separation. During weeks 4 through 6, when
rest periods are down at 20 seconds and less,
your goal is to just complete the hundred reps. So
don’t worry about rep speed or control. Just get
the reps done with the best form possible while
your muscles are on fire.
288
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
For each exercise, you will do HIIT 100s with
select a weight that is equal to about 50 percent
of what you normally could do on that exercise for
10 reps. Don’t worry if you went too heavy. If you
fail to complete all 10 sets of 10 reps during the
program, you can adjust your weight either during
that set or at the next workout. If you can’t complete all 10 reps before hitting the eighth set of 10
reps, then immediately drop the weight by 5 or 10
pounds before the next set of 10 reps. If you can’t
complete 10 reps during or after the eighth set,
finish all 10 sets doing as many reps as possible for
those final sets. Then the next time you train that
muscle group, lower the weight by 5 to 10 pounds.
If some of the exercises that you will do HIIT
100s with are new to you, then you’ll need to
spend some time figuring out how much weight
you can do for 10 reps. The week before you
start the actual HIIT 100s program, work these
exercises into your training program to figure out
an approximate weight that allows you to perform
10 reps but no more. Then when you start the
program the next week, use half of that weight for
your HIIT 100s sets.
When trying to estimate your 10-rep max on
each exercise, be sure to do the HIIT exercise
as the first exercise for that muscle group. For
example, if you don’t know what your 10-rep max
is on the bench press, do bench press as the first
exercise in your chest workout, aiming for a weight
that allows you to complete just 10 reps. Then
follow with your typical chest routine.
While the major benefit of this program (see
table 13.4) is rapid fat loss, the fringe benefits
are just as impressive. Even though weight is light,
muscle growth will be a pleasant surprise, especially while you are simultaneously dropping body
fat. You will have insane growth in muscle groups
that you do not typically train with high volume,
like traps, forearms, and calves. But you may also
be surprised about the muscle growth you get in
places like your arms and legs. One of the best
ways to optimize muscle growth is by making a
given weight more difficult. And HIIT 100s makes
a very light weight difficult to move. The stress your
muscle receives because of the difficulty in moving
that weight repeatedly is what influences muscle
growth. This pushes muscle fatigue to new levels,
which stimulates the production and buildup of
biochemical waste products. These waste products
are not a complete waste, since they stimulate
the release of hormones such as growth hormone
(GH), which not only boosts muscle size but also
encourages fat burning.
Of course, another obvious benefit to doing 100
reps with progressively shorter rest periods is an
increase in muscle endurance. This will boost your
conditioning for almost any sport. And even if you
do not participate in any sport, this benefit will
ring loud and clear in your workouts. When you
go back to normal training, where you are resting
a couple of minutes between sets, your muscle
recovery will be quicker, which means you will be
able to get more reps with the same weight than
you normally would on successive sets. That’s
because progressively dropping your rest periods
each week forces your muscles to gradually learn
how to recover more quickly between sets.
Most people do not even need to add extra
HIIT cardio when following this program. The HIIT
100s sets are adequate enough to stimulate fat
burning. However, feel free to add some extra
HIIT if you wish. You can add cardioacceleration
to the non-HIIT 100s sets, or add HIIT in between
muscle groups, or a HIIT workout after the HIIT
100s workout.
TABLE 13.4 HIIT 100s Workout
WEEK 1
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
Bench press
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell incline press
10RM
3/to failure
Cable crossover
15RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Barbell bent-over row
10RM
3/to failure
Straight-arm pulldown
15RM
3/to failure
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight2
2
10/10
Crunch
Body weight
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Leg press
10RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
15RM
3/to failure
Leg curl
15RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Lying triceps extension
15RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Seated calf raise
15RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lateral raise
10RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell rear delt raise
15RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3*/to failure
Incline dumbbell curl
15RM
3/to failure
1
Rest
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
Rest
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
Rest
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
On the last set, do a drop set by reducing the weight to the same amount you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as possible to failure.
Because this is a body-weight exercise, you cannot reduce the weight. So if you can’t do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute of rest on this
exercise, do not reduce the rest each week. Instead, keep it at 1 minute until you are able to do all 10 sets for 10 reps. Then the next week
start reducing the rest period each week.
2
3
If you do not have access to kettlebells, you can use a dumbbell.
> continued
289
TABLE 13.4 HIIT 100s Workout (continued)
WEEK 1 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS (continued)
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3*/to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Bench press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Reverse-grip incline bench press
10RM
3/to failure
Incline dumbbell fly
15RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm dumbbell bent-over row
10RM
3/to failure
Reverse-grip pulldown
15RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight
10/10
Crunch
Body weight3
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lunge
10RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
15RM
3/to failure
Romanian deadlift
15RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Cable overhead triceps extension
15RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Seated calf raise
15RM
3/to failure
2
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm cable lateral raise
10RM
3/to failure
Machine rear delt fly
15RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
1
Rest
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
Rest
50 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
50 sec
60 sec
2
60 sec
50 sec
50 sec
50 sec
Rest
50 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
50 sec
60 sec
60 sec
50 sec
60 sec
60 sec
50 sec
Rest
50 sec
60 sec
2
60 sec
50 sec
60 sec
On the last set, do a drop set by reducing the weight to the same amount you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as possible to failure.
Because this is a body-weight exercise, you cannot reduce the weight. So if you can’t do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute of rest on the
exercises, do not reduce the rest each week. Instead, keep it at 1 minute until you are able to do all 10 sets for 10 reps. Then the next
week start reducing the rest period each week.
2
290
WEEK 1 (continued)
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS (continued)
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Behind-the-back cable curl
15RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WEEK 2
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Bench press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell incline press
10RM
3/to failure
Cable crossover
15RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Barbell bent-over row
10RM
3/to failure
Straight-arm pulldown
15RM
3/to failure
2
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight
10/10
Crunch
Body weight2
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Leg press
10RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
15RM
3/to failure
Leg curl
15RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Lying triceps extension
15RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Seated calf raise
15RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
3
If you do not have access to kettlebells, you can use a dumbbell.
4
Take no rest and do each arm back-to-back until all 3 sets are completed for each arm.
Rest
50 sec
60 sec
2
50 sec
60 sec
50 sec
Rest
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
40 sec
40 sec
Rest
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
Rest
40 sec
60 sec
> continued
291
TABLE 13.4 HIIT 100s Workout (continued)
WEEK 2 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS (continued)
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell lateral raise
10RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell rear delt raise
15RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Incline dumbbell curl
15RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Bench press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Reverse-grip incline bench press
10RM
3/to failure
Incline dumbbell fly
15RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm dumbbell bent-over row
10RM
3/to failure
Reverse-grip pulldown
15RM
3/to failure
2
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight
2
10/10
Crunch
Body weight
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
Squat
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell lunge
10RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
15RM
3/to failure
Romanian deadlift
15RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Cable overhead triceps extension
15RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Seated calf raise
15RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
1
Rest
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
40 sec
Rest
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
4
60 sec
40 sec
40 sec
40 sec
Rest
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
60 sec
40 sec
On the last set, do a drop set by reducing the weight to the same amount you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as possible to failure.
Because this is a body-weight exercise, you cannot reduce the weight. So if you can’t do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute of rest on the
exercises, do not reduce the rest each week. Instead, keep it at 1 minute until you are able to do all 10 sets for 10 reps. Then the next
week start reducing the rest period each week.
2
292
WEEK 2 (continued)
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm cable lateral raise
10RM
3/to failure
Machine rear delt fly
15RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Behind-the-back cable curl
15RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WEEK 3
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
Bench press
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell incline press
12RM
3/to failure
Cable crossover
20RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Barbell bent-over row
12RM
3/to failure
Straight-arm pulldown
20RM
3/to failure
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight2
2
10/10
Crunch
Body weight
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Leg press
12RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
20RM
3/to failure
Leg curl
20RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Lying triceps extension
20RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Seated calf raise
20RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
3
If you do not have access to kettlebells, you can use a dumbbell.
4
Take no rest and do each arm back-to-back until all 3 sets are completed for each arm.
Rest
40 sec
60 sec
4
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
40 sec
60 sec
4
40 sec
60 sec
40 sec
Rest
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
30 sec
30 sec
Rest
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
> continued
293
TABLE 13.4 HIIT 100s Workout (continued)
WEEK 3 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lateral raise
12RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell rear delt raise
20RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Incline dumbbell curl
20RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Bench press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Reverse-grip incline bench press
12RM
3/to failure
Incline dumbbell fly
20RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
One-arm dumbbell bent-over row
12RM
3/to failure
Reverse-grip pulldown
20RM
3/to failure
2
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight
10/10
Crunch
Body weight2
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lunge
12RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
20RM
3/to failure
Romanian deadlift
20RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Cable overhead triceps extension
20RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Seated calf raise
20RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
1
Rest
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
30 sec
Rest
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
30 sec
4
60 sec
30 sec
30 sec
30 sec
Rest
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
30 sec
30 sec
On the last set, do a drop set by reducing the weight to the same amount you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as possible to failure.
Because this is a body-weight exercise, you cannot reduce the weight. So if you can’t do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute of rest on the
exercises, do not reduce the rest each week. Instead, keep it at 1 minute until you are able to do all 10 sets for 10 reps. Then the next
week start reducing the rest period each week.
2
294
WEEK 3 (continued)
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm cable lateral raise
12RM
3/to failure
Machine rear delt fly
20RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Behind-the-back cable curl
20RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WEEK 4
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
Bench press
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell incline press
12RM
3/to failure
Cable crossover
20RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Barbell bent-over row
12RM
3/to failure
Straight-arm pulldown
20RM
3/to failure
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight2
2
10/10
Crunch
Body weight
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Leg press
12RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
20RM
3/to failure
Leg curl
20RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Lying triceps extension
20RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Seated calf raise
20RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
3
If you do not have access to kettlebells, you can use a dumbbell.
4
Take no rest and do each arm back-to-back until all 3 sets are completed for each arm.
Rest
30 sec
60 sec
4
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
30 sec
60 sec
4
30 sec
60 sec
30 sec
Rest
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
20 sec
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
> continued
295
TABLE 13.4 HIIT 100s Workout (continued)
WEEK 4 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lateral raise
12RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell rear delt raise
20RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Incline dumbbell curl
20RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Bench press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Reverse-grip incline bench press
12RM
3/to failure
Incline dumbbell fly
20RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
One-arm dumbbell bent-over row
12RM
3/to failure
Reverse-grip pulldown
20RM
3/to failure
2
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight
10/10
Crunch
Body weight2
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lunge
12RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
20RM
3/to failure
Romanian deadlift
20RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Cable overhead triceps extension
20RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Seated calf raise
20RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
1
Rest
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
30 sec
4
60 sec
20 sec
20 sec
20 sec
Rest
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
30 sec
20 sec
On the last set, do a drop set by reducing the weight to the same amount you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as possible to failure.
Because this is a body-weight exercise, you cannot reduce the weight. So if you can’t do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute of rest on the
exercises, do not reduce the rest each week. Instead, keep it at 1 minute until you are able to do all 10 sets for 10 reps. Then the next
week start reducing the rest period each week.
2
296
WEEK 4 (continued)
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm cable lateral raise
12RM
3/to failure
Machine rear delt fly
20RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Behind-the-back cable curl
20RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WEEK 5
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Bench press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell incline press
15RM
3/to failure
Cable crossover
30RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Barbell bent-over row
15RM
3/to failure
Straight-arm pulldown
30RM
3/to failure
2
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight
2
10/10
Crunch
Body weight
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Leg press
15RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
30RM
3/to failure
Leg curl
30RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Lying triceps extension
30RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Seated calf raise
30RM
3/to failure
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell3
3
If you do not have access to kettlebells, you can use a dumbbell.
4
Take no rest and do each arm back-to-back until all 3 sets are completed for each arm.
Rest
20 sec
60 sec
4
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
20 sec
60 sec
4
20 sec
60 sec
20 sec
Rest
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
10 sec
10 sec
Rest
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
> continued
297
TABLE 13.4 HIIT 100s Workout (continued)
WEEK 5 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lateral raise
15RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell rear delt raise
30RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Incline dumbbell curl
30RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Bench press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Reverse-grip incline bench press
15RM
3/to failure
Incline dumbbell fly
30RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
One-arm dumbbell bent-over row
15RM
3/to failure
Reverse-grip pulldown
30RM
3/to failure
2
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight
10/10
Crunch
Body weight2
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lunge
15RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
30RM
3/to failure
Romanian deadlift
30RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Cable overhead triceps extension
30RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Seated calf raise
30RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
1
Rest
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
10 sec
Rest
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
30 sec
4
60 sec
10 sec
10 sec
10 sec
Rest
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
30 sec
10 sec
On the last set, do a drop set by reducing the weight to the same amount you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as possible to failure.
Because this is a body-weight exercise, you cannot reduce the weight. So if you can’t do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute of rest on the
exercises, do not reduce the rest each week. Instead, keep it at 1 minute until you are able to do all 10 sets for 10 reps. Then the next
week start reducing the rest period each week.
2
298
WEEK 5 (continued)
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm cable lateral raise
15RM
3/to failure
Machine rear delt fly
30RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Behind-the-back cable curl
30RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WEEK 6
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
Bench press
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell incline press
15RM
3/to failure
Cable crossover
30RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Barbell bent-over row
15RM
3/to failure
Straight-arm pulldown
30RM
3/to failure
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight2
2
10/10
Crunch
Body weight
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Leg press
15RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
30RM
3/to failure
Leg curl
30RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Lying triceps extension
30RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Seated calf raise
30RM
3/to failure
3
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell
3
If you do not have access to kettlebells, you can use a dumbbell.
4
Take no rest and do each arm back-to-back until all 3 sets are completed for each arm.
Rest
10 sec
60 sec
4
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
10 sec
60 sec
4
10 sec
60 sec
10 sec
Rest
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
0 sec
0 sec
Rest
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
> continued
299
TABLE 13.4 HIIT 100s Workout (continued)
WEEK 6 (continued)
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lateral raise
15RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell rear delt raise
30RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Incline dumbbell curl
30RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): CHEST, BACK, ABS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Bench press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Bench press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Reverse-grip incline bench press
15RM
3/to failure
Incline dumbbell fly
30RM
3/to failure
Wide-grip pulldown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Wide-grip pulldown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm dumbbell bent-over row
15RM
3/to failure
Reverse-grip pulldown
30RM
3/to failure
2
10/10
Reverse crunch
Body weight
2
10/10
Crunch
Body weight
Dead curl press
Light dumbbells
10/10
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): LEGS, TRICEPS, CALVES
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Squat HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Squat
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell lunge
15RM
3/to failure
Leg extension
30RM
3/to failure
Romanian deadlift
30RM
3/to failure
Triceps pressdown
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Triceps pressdown
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Cable overhead triceps extension
30RM
3/to failure
Standing calf raise
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Standing calf raise
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Seated calf raise
30RM
3/to failure
10/10
Kettlebell swing
Light kettlebell3
Rest
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
0 sec
Rest
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
30 sec
4
60 sec
0 sec
0 sec
0 sec
Rest
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
30 sec
0 sec
On the last set, do a drop set by reducing the weight to the same amount you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as possible to failure.
Because this is a body-weight exercise, you cannot reduce the weight. So if you can’t do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute of rest on the exercises,
do not reduce the rest each week. Instead, keep it at 1 minute until you are able to do all 10 sets for 10 reps. Then the next week start reducing
the rest period each week.
3
If you do not have access to kettlebells, you can use a dumbbell.
4
Take no rest and do each arm back-to-back until all 3 sets are completed for each arm.
1
2
300
301
Programs for Maximizing Fat Loss
WEEK 5 (continued)
WORKOUT 6 (SATURDAY): SHOULDERS, TRAPS, BICEPS, FOREARMS
Exercise
Weight
Sets/reps
Dumbbell shoulder press HIIT 100s
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shoulder press
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
One-arm cable lateral raise
15RM
3/to failure
Machine rear delt fly
30RM
3/to failure
Dumbbell shrug
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell shrug
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Dumbbell curl
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Dumbbell curl
10RM (from test)
3 /to failure
Behind-the-back cable curl
30RM
3/to failure
Barbell wrist curl
50% 10RM
10/10
Barbell wrist curl
10RM (from test)
31/to failure
Dumbbell clean
50% 10RM
10/10
1
Rest
0 sec
60 sec
4
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
0 sec
60 sec
4
0 sec
60 sec
0 sec
On the last set, do a drop set by reducing the weight to the same amount you used for HIIT 100s and do as many reps as possible to failure.
Because this is a body-weight exercise, you cannot reduce the weight. So if you can’t do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute of rest on the
exercises, do not reduce the rest each week. Instead, keep it at 1 minute until you are able to do all 10 sets for 10 reps. Then the next
week start reducing the rest period each week.
2
3
If you do not have access to kettlebells, you can use a dumbbell.
4
Take no rest and do each arm back-to-back until all 3 sets are completed for each arm.
Tabata Weight Blast Program
Tabata Weight Blast takes the Tabata that you think
of only as cardio and turns it into a full weight-training program. This way you get the combined benefit
of fat loss while actually building some muscle.
Doing very high reps with light weight for short
periods can help you blow past plateaus and add
some serious lean muscle.
Because Tabata enhances endurance, it boosts
your body’s ability to burn more fat. And because
it enhances explosive energy, the kind you use in
a typical set of bench presses, it can help you get
more reps with a given weight, or use more weight
to get a given number of reps. And that crosses
over to more strength as well as more muscle
growth, since a greater overload on the muscle
results in greater growth.
And the benefits won’t end there. Because you
do fairly high reps and take very short rest periods
between sets, you’ll increase the amount of blood
vessels that feed your muscle fibers. This will help
to get more nutrients, oxygen, and anabolic hormones to your muscles, which means they’ll have
more energy during workouts and better recovery
and growth after the workout.
This Tabata program will have you doing several
exercises per muscle group in Tabata fashion. Do
2 to 4 exercises per muscle group. Each exercise
consists of 8 sets of 20 seconds, getting as many
reps as possible in those 20 seconds. Rest only
10 seconds between the 20-second sets. Once
you’ve completed 8 sets, rest 1 to 2 minutes and
then do the same on the next exercise.
Finish each workout with four full-body or
calisthenic exercises done in Tabata fashion for
even more fat burning. When you do these four
exercises, take no scheduled rest between the
exercises. Once you have completed all eight
cycles of one exercise, move into the next one as
quickly as possible.
It will take some trial and error to select the
proper weight for each exercise. I suggest you
start very light because you can work up in weight
each week. If you find a weight that allows you to
complete 20 seconds of reps for the first five or
six sets but you cannot do the full 20 seconds
on the last two or three sets, stick with that
weight. This way you can set a goal to complete
the 20 seconds of reps for all eight sets before
302
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
you move on to a heavier weight. Each week that
you follow the Tabata Weight Blast program, your
goal should be to increase the weight you use
or the number of reps you complete in those 4
minutes. I suggest you follow the Tabata Weight
Blast program in table 13.5 for about three to six
weeks before returning to a more normal style of
straight-set training.
TABLE 13.5 Tabata Weight Blast
WORKOUT 1 (MONDAY): CHEST/ABS
Exercise
Sets/time
Rest
Bench press*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Incline bench press*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell fly*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable crossover*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Reverse crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Push-up**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell clean**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell walking lunge**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell swing
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 2 (TUESDAY): LEGS/CALVES
Exercise
Sets/time
Rest
Squat*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Deadlift*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Leg extension*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Leg curl*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Standing calf raise*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated calf raise*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell walking lunge**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dead landmine**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell snatch**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Band woodchopper
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS/TRAPS
Exercise
Sets/time
Rest
Smith machine shoulder
8/20 sec 10 sec
press*
Smith machine upright row*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell lateral raise*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Standing cable rear delt fly*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell shrug*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Smith machine behind-the8/20 sec 10 sec
back shrug*
WORKOUT 3 (WEDNESDAY): SHOULDERS/TRAPS (cont.)
Exercise
Sets/time
Rest
Medicine ball overhead
8/20 sec 10 sec
throw**
Burpee**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Kettlebell swing**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Medicine ball slam
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 4 (THURSDAY): BACK/ABS
Exercise
Sets/time
Rest
Bent-over barbell row*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Pulldown*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Seated cable row*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Straight-arm pulldown*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Crossover crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable crunch*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Push-up**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dead curl press**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Heavy bag work**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell clean
8/20 sec 10 sec
WORKOUT 5 (FRIDAY): TRICEPS/BICEPS/FOREARMS
Exercise
Sets/time
Rest
Lying triceps extension*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Triceps pressdown*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Cable overhead extension*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell curl*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Incline dumbbell curl*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell hammer curl*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell wrist curl*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Barbell reverse wrist curl*
8/20 sec 10 sec
Burpee**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dumbbell walking lunge**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Dead landmine**
8/20 sec 10 sec
Band roundhouse elbow
8/20 sec 10 sec
* Rest 1-2 minutes between exercises.
**Take no rest between exercises.
Programs for Maximizing Fat Loss
303
Band Whole-Body Workout
This is a great exercise-bands-only workout for
when you travel and don’t have access to free
weights or when you just want to switch things up
(see table 13.6). It involves several high-intensity
training techniques such as supersets and giant
sets to increase calorie burn during and after
the workout. It also is a whole-body training split,
which means that all your major muscle groups will
need to recover after the workout, which will boost
metabolic rate after the workout. It also includes
cardioacceleration to help burn the fat.
Do this workout three times per week. Or you
can even use it as a cardio conditioning workout
on your off days from weight training. Either way,
it’s a great way to increase your conditioning and
decrease body fat.
TABLE 13.6 Band Whole-Body Workout
Exercise
Power push-up
Superset with band straight-arm
pullback
Cardioacceleration: Squat jump
Superset with body-weight squat
Power push-up
Superset with band straight-arm
pullback
Cardioacceleration: Squat jump
Superset with body-weight squat
Power push-up
Superset with band straight-arm
pullback
Cardioacceleration: Squat jump
Superset with body-weight squat
Incline band press
Superset with band bent-over row
Cardioacceleration: Jumping jack
Incline band press
Superset with band bent-over row
Cardioacceleration: Jumping jack
Incline band press
Superset with band bent-over row
Cardioacceleration: Jumping jack
Band rear delt pull
Giant set with band lateral raise
Sets/reps
1/5-8
1/10
Giant set with band upright row
Giant set with band shoulder press
Cardioacceleration: Body-weight lunge
Band rear delt pull
1/10
1/10
1/60 sec
1/10
1/5-8
1/40 sec
1/5-8
1/10
1/5-8
1/40 sec
1/5-8
1/10
1/5-8
1/40 sec
1/15
1/15
1/60 sec
1/15
1/15
1/60 sec
1/15
1/15
1/60 sec
1/10
1/10
Exercise
Giant set with band lateral raise
Giant set with band upright row
Giant set with band shoulder press
Cardioacceleration: Body-weight lunge
Band rear delt pull
Giant set with band lateral raise
Giant set with band upright row
Giant set with band shoulder press
Cardioacceleration: Body-weight lunge
Band triceps overhead extension
Superset with band biceps curl
Cardioacceleration: Lateral hop
Band triceps overhead extension
Superset with band biceps curl
Cardioacceleration: Lateral hop
Band triceps overhead extension
Superset with band biceps curl
Cardioacceleration: Lateral hop
Band triceps overhead extension
Superset with band biceps curl
Cardioacceleration: Lateral hop
Reverse crunch
Superset with twisting crunch
Cardioacceleration: Calf jump
Reverse crunch
Superset with twisting crunch
Cardioacceleration: Calf jump
Reverse crunch
Superset with twisting crunch
Cardioacceleration: Calf jump
Sets/reps
1/10
1/10
1/10
1/60 sec
1/10
1/10
1/10
1/10
1/60 sec
1/10
1/10
1/60 sec
1/10
1/10
1/60 sec
1/10
1/10
1/60 sec
1/10
1/10
1/60 sec
1/20
1/20
1/60 sec
1/20
1/20
1/60 sec
1/20
1/20
1/60 sec
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PART V
TRAINING EXERCISES
306
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
No matter how sound an exercise program is, it
won’t be effective without the proper execution
of the exercises that make up that program.
Contained in this section are the descriptions
for proper form of every exercise covered in the
previous chapters, in addition to many others not
covered. This is a total of 381 exercises. Accompanying each exercise description is a photo or two
of that exercise to help you visualize the proper
execution of each exercise.
Each chapter covers the exercises that train one
specific muscle group. These chapters organize
the exercises into similar movements that train
that muscle group in a similar manner. This is to
encourage you to frequently substitute exercises
in a program with other exercises that are similar
in the effect they will have on a particular muscle.
This not only will help to prevent stagnation of
muscle adaptations and overall boredom but
will also encourage the greatest gains in muscle
growth and strength. This is because the slightest
variation of an exercise can target different muscle
fibers within a muscle group.
Regardless of your goals, having such an
arsenal of exercises to choose from will help to
maximize your results. Whatever program you are
following, you can use this section to change the
exercise selections. To do this for any exercise,
simply choose from the list of exercises that
accompany that exercise in the same category.
For example, to find an alternative exercise for
the bench press, just choose one of the other
exercises from the barbell pressing exercises category, such as incline bench press, decline bench
press, Smith machine flat bench press, Smith
machine incline bench press, or Smith machine
decline bench press. Just be sure to follow the
guidelines discussed in chapters 5, 8, and 11 for
exercise selection and order. Making the slightest
alterations to a program while staying within the
suggested guidelines is the best way to individualize a program for best results.
CHAPTER 14
Chest
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the chest (pectoral)
muscles. The pectoralis major muscles are divided
into the upper and lower sections (see diagram).
Although many of these exercises are pressing
movements (such as the bench press) that are
multijoint exercises, requiring the use of the deltoids and triceps as well as the pectorals, they are
considered primarily chest exercises because of
the movement of the upper arms. The chest exercises are divided into barbell pressing exercises;
dumbbell pressing exercises; machine, cable, or
band pressing exercises; fly-type exercises; and
push-up, dip, and pullover exercises. Wherever
a certain type of exercise is used in a workout,
any one of the same type can be substituted (for
example, if the incline bench press is called for,
any barbell press exercise can be substituted).
Upper pectoralis
Lower pectoralis
E6002/Stoppani/fig 14.01/496124/alw/R1-pulled
307
308
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Barbell Pressing Exercises
Bench press
Incline bench press
Decline bench press
Barbell bench press with bands
Barbell floor press
Reverse-grip bench press
Smith machine flat bench press
Smith machine incline bench press
Smith machine decline bench press
One-arm Smith machine bench press
One-arm Smith machine negative
bench press
Smith machine bench press throw
Smith machine reverse-grip bench
press
Dumbbell Pressing Exercises
Dumbbell bench press
Incline dumbbell press
Decline dumbbell press
One-arm dumbbell bench press
Exercise-ball dumbbell press
Neutral-grip flat bench dumbbell press
Reverse-grip dumbbell press
309
309
310
310
311
311
312
312
313
313
314
314
315
315
316
316
317
317
318
318
Machine, Cable, or Band Pressing Exercises
Seated chest press machine
319
One-arm cable chest press
319
Cable crossover chest press
320
Cable crossover chest press
(from low pulleys)
320
Cable bench press
321
Standing band chest press
321
Fly-Type Exercises
Dumbbell fly
Incline dumbbell fly
Decline dumbbell fly
Exercise-ball dumbbell fly
Leaning one-arm dumbbell fly
Cable fly
Cable crossover
Low-pulley cable crossover
Fly machine
One-arm standing band fly
TRX fly
322
322
323
323
324
324
325
325
326
326
327
Push-Up, Dip, and Pullover Exercises
Push-up
Incline push-up
Decline push-up
Exercise-ball push-up
Power push-up
Push-up ladder
TRX push-up
Chest dip
Dumbbell pullover
327
328
328
329
329
330
330
331
331
BENCH PRESS
START
Lie faceup on a bench-press bench with your
feet flat on the floor. Grasp the barbell with an
overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Unrack the bar and slowly lower it toward your
chest. Keep your wrists aligned with your elbows
and your elbows pointed out to your sides so
that your upper arms form a 30- to 60-degree
angle with your torso. When the bar just touches
your chest, press back up explosively, driving the
weight away from you until you almost lock it out.
Note: For details on performing the bench
press to maximize strength, see chapter 8.
INCLINE BENCH PRESS
START
Lie on an incline bench-press bench and grasp
the racked barbell with a grip that’s slightly wider
than shoulder width, palms facing toward the
ceiling. Lift the bar off the rack and raise it until
your arms are fully extended.
MOVE
Bend your elbows to lower the bar to your upper
chest. At the bottom, your elbows should be out
and away from your body but slightly in front of
your shoulders. Contract your chest muscles and
extend your elbows to press the bar up until your
elbows are almost locked out.
309
DECLINE BENCH PRESS
START
Lie back on a decline bench-press bench set to a
30- to 40-degree decline. Grasp the barbell with
an overhand grip with both hands slightly wider
than shoulder-width apart. Lift the bar off the
supports and hold it over your lower chest with
your arms extended.
MOVE
Lower the barbell to your lower chest. Immediately push the bar back up to full extension
without locking your elbows out at the top.
BARBELL BENCH PRESS WITH BANDS
START
Place an exercise band securely under the bench
and secure each barbell cuff onto either side of
the barbell. An easy way to secure the ends of
the bands on the bar is by placing them between
two weight plates. If you cannot place the band
under the bench, then use one band on each end
of the bar and secure it to a heavy dumbbell on
each side under the bar.
MOVE
Perform the bench press as you normally would
as described earlier in this chapter. You can also
use the bands in a similar manner on the incline
bench press and decline bench press.
310
BARBELL FLOOR PRESS
START
Although this is a bench press done on the
floor, unless you are very thin, you will not
be able to fit under the bar even when it is
loaded with 45-pound plates. So you will
need to set the bar on the lower rack of a
power rack. Once the barbell is set in the
power rack, lie faceup on the floor in the
middle of the power rack so that the bar is
above your head. Keep your back flat on the
floor and your knees bent with feet flat on
the floor. Unrack the barbell and hold it over
your chest.
MOVE
Lower the bar toward your lower chest until the
back of your upper arms touch the floor. The
bar will be several inches above your chest
and will not touch your chest. This is the point
of doing the floor press because it lessens
the range of motion, which allows you to use
more weight. Press the bar up and toward
your head so that the bar is above your upper
chest in the top position.
REVERSE-GRIP BENCH PRESS
START
Grasp the barbell with an underhand grip
with your hands spaced wider than shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Have a spotter help you unrack the bar
because it is difficult to do so alone with the
underhand grip. Once the bar is positioned
over your chest, lower the bar to your lower
chest or upper abs and then press the bar
back up toward your head. If you must do
this exercise alone, unrack the bar with an
overhand grip and lower it to your chest. With
the bar on your chest, carefully swap your grip
from overhand to underhand and perform the
exercise. Research shows that this exercise
recruits a greater number of muscle fibers in
the upper pecs than the overhand grip. You
can also use the reverse grip on the incline
bench press to further hit the upper pecs.
311
SMITH MACHINE FLAT BENCH PRESS
START
Position yourself on a flat bench that is positioned in a Smith machine so that the bar lines
up with your lower chest (where your nipples
are). Grasp the bar with an overhand grip spaced
slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Release
the safety hooks.
MOVE
Lower the bar to your chest. Press the bar back
up to full arm extension, stopping just short of
elbow lockout. Pause at the top and lower the
bar under control to your upper chest.
SMITH MACHINE INCLINE BENCH PRESS
START
Position yourself on an incline bench (set to about
30 to 40 degrees) that is positioned in a Smith
machine so that the bar lines up with the top of
your chest. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip
spaced slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Release the safety hooks.
MOVE
Lower the bar to your chest. Press the bar up to
full arm extension, stopping just short of elbow
lockout.
312
SMITH MACHINE DECLINE BENCH PRESS
START
Position yourself on a decline bench (set to about
30 to 45 degrees) that is positioned in a Smith
machine so that the bar lines up with the lower
part of your chest. Grasp the bar with an overhand
grip that is slightly wider than shoulder-width
apart. Release the safety hooks.
MOVE
Lower the bar to your chest. Press the bar up to
full arm extension, stopping just short of elbow
lockout.
ONE-ARM SMITH MACHINE BENCH PRESS
START
Position yourself on a flat bench that is positioned
in a Smith machine so that the bar lines up with
your lower chest (where your nipples are). Grasp
the bar with a one-hand overhand grip that is
spaced slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Release the safety hooks and then slowly lower
the bar to your chest. Press the bar back up to
full arm extension, stopping just short of elbow
lockout. Complete all reps on one arm and then
repeat with the other arm.
313
ONE-ARM SMITH MACHINE NEGATIVE BENCH PRESS
START
For those who train alone, doing negative reps is
almost impossible. Yet the Smith machine allows
you to train with negative reps one arm at a time.
Position yourself on a flat bench that is in a Smith
machine so that the bar lines up with your lower
chest (where your nipples are). Grasp the bar with
a one-hand overhand grip that is spaced slightly
wider than shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Release the safety hooks and then slowly lower
the bar about a quarter of the way down. From
there, resist the bar as long as you can to prevent
the bar from lowering to your chest. It should take
you no less than 3 seconds and no more than
8 seconds for the weight to reach your chest.
If it’s shorter than this, decrease the weight. If
it’s longer, increase the weight. Press the bar up
using both arms and then repeat on the opposite
arm. Alternate arms each rep.
SMITH MACHINE BENCH PRESS THROW
START
Position yourself on a flat bench that is in a Smith
machine so that the bar lines up with your lower
chest (where your nipples are). Grasp the bar with
an overhand grip that is spaced slightly wider than
shoulder-width apart. Release the safety hooks.
MOVE
Slowly lower the bar to your chest and explode
the bar off of your chest by pressing the bar back
up to full arm extension with as much speed and
power as possible. Allow the bar to leave your
hands in the top position. Catch the bar on the
return with slightly bent elbows without stopping
the bar and guide it down to your chest and then
immediately perform the next rep.
314
SMITH MACHINE REVERSE-GRIP BENCH PRESS
START
Position yourself on a flat bench that is in a
Smith machine so that the bar lines up with your
lower chest or upper abs. Grasp the bar with an
underhand grip that is spaced slightly wider than
shoulder-width apart. Release the safety hooks.
MOVE
Slowly lower the bar to your chest and then press
the bar back up to full arm extension, stopping
just short of elbow lockout. You can also do this
on an incline bench.
DUMBBELL BENCH PRESS
START
Lie faceup on a flat bench with your feet planted
flat on the floor. Hold the dumbbells just outside
your chest with your elbows out to your sides, so
your upper arms form a 30- to 60-degree angle
with your torso.
MOVE
Forcefully press the weights up in an arc (coming
toward each other at the top) until your arms are
fully extended above your chest. Reverse the
motion, being sure not to lower the dumbbells
below chest level.
315
INCLINE DUMBBELL PRESS
START
Lie squarely on an incline bench, which should be
set at a fairly low angle (less than 45 degrees).
Hold the dumbbells just outside your shoulders
with your elbows out to your sides and your feet
planted flat on the floor.
MOVE
Forcefully press the weights up in an arc (coming
toward each other at the top) until your arms are
fully extended above your chest. Reverse the
motion, being sure not to lower the dumbbells
below chest level.
DECLINE DUMBBELL PRESS
START
Lie back on a decline bench set to 30 to 40
degrees with your feet secured under the foot
pads. Hold the dumbbells just outside your lower
chest with your elbows out to your sides.
MOVE
Forcefully press the weights up in an arc (coming
toward each other at the top) until your arms are
fully extended above your lower chest or upper
abs.
316
ONE-ARM DUMBBELL BENCH PRESS
START
Grasp a dumbbell and lie faceup on the bench.
Hold the dumbbell just outside your shoulder with
your elbow out to your sides. With your other arm,
grasp the side of the bench down by your hip.
MOVE
Press the dumbbell up until your arm is fully
extended above your chest. Reverse the motion,
being sure not to lower the dumbbells below lower
chest level. Complete the desired number of reps
and repeat with your other arm.
Note: You can also do this exercise on the
incline or decline bench in a similar manner.
EXERCISE-BALL DUMBBELL PRESS
START
Grasping two dumbbells, lie with your upper back
on an exercise ball with your feet planted firmly
on the floor. Hold the dumbbells just outside your
shoulders with your palms facing forward and your
elbows out to your sides.
MOVE
Forcefully press the weights up in an arc (coming
toward each other at the top) until your arms are
fully extended above your chest. Reverse the
motion, being sure not to lower the dumbbells
below chest level.
317
NEUTRAL-GRIP FLAT BENCH DUMBBELL PRESS
START
Grasping two dumbbells, lie on a flat bench
and turn your wrists so that they are toward
each other, hands at each side of your torso
with the dumbbells above your body.
MOVE
Press the dumbbells upward, allowing them
to naturally move toward each other at the
top (without touching). Then reverse the
move back to the starting position.
REVERSE-GRIP DUMBBELL PRESS
START
Lie on a flat bench while holding one dumbbell in each hand outside your chest. Turn
your wrists outward so that your palms are
pointed toward your face for the position
known as the reverse grip.
MOVE
Press the dumbbells up and together in
an arc over your chest while maintaining
the reverse grip. Then slowly lower the
dumbbells back to the start position and
repeat for reps.
318
SEATED CHEST PRESS MACHINE
START
Position the handles of the machine so that they
line up with your mid- to lower chest. Sit back in
the seat and grab the handles with an overhand
grip.
MOVE
Press the handles out in front of you until your
arms are fully extended but not locked, then
slowly bring the handles back toward your chest
without letting the weights touch the stack. Some
machines also offer an incline chest press version that allows you to mimic the incline bench
press to focus more on the upper chest.
ONE-ARM CABLE CHEST PRESS
START
Stand facing away from a pulley cable apparatus
with your feet shoulder-width apart or wider;
maintain a slight bend in your knees. If the
pulley height is adjustable, bring it to just above
shoulder height. Grasp the single-handle D-grip
with an overhand grip and hold it just outside
your shoulder with your elbow out to your side
so that your upper arm forms a 30- to 60-degree
angle with your torso.
MOVE
Forcefully press the handle out in front of you
until your arm is fully extended in front of your
chest but your elbow is not locked out. Reverse
the motion, being sure not to return the handle
behind the level of your chest.
319
CABLE CROSSOVER CHEST PRESS
START
Attach single-handle D-grip handles to the high
pulleys on a cable crossover apparatus. Stand
in the direct center of the machine with one foot
in front of the other and with your knees slightly
bent. Grasp the handles with your palms facing
down and keep your elbows slightly bent and
facing up toward the ceiling. Lean slightly forward
at the waist.
MOVE
In a simultaneous downward and inward motion,
bring the handles to a point in front of your midsection, keeping your arms slightly bent. Pause
a moment and squeeze your pec muscles before
slowly allowing the handles to return to the start
position.
CABLE CROSSOVER CHEST PRESS (FROM LOW PULLEYS)
START
Attach single-handle D-grip handles to the lower
pulleys on a cable crossover apparatus. Stand in the
direct center of the apparatus with one foot in front
of the other with your knees slightly bent. Grasp the
handles with your palms facing up and keep your
elbows bent and facing down toward the floor and
behind you. Maintain the arch in your lower back
and keep your chest up.
MOVE
In a simultaneous upward and inward motion,
bring the handles to a point straight out in front
of you so your hands are level with your chin or
higher. Pause a moment and squeeze your pec
muscles before slowly allowing the handles to
return to the start position.
320
CABLE BENCH PRESS
START
Place a flat bench in the center of a cable crossover apparatus. Lower the cable pulleys on the
lowest setting. Grasp the D-handles in both
hands and lie down onto the bench. Start with
your elbows bent and hands evenly placed on the
sides of the chest.
MOVE
With both hands, press firmly upward, squeezing
the pecs and bringing the handles toward the
center line of the body. Slowly lower down and
repeat for reps. You can cross your hands in the
top position for better recruitment of the innerpec muscles. You can also do this exercise on
an incline or decline bench.
STANDING BAND CHEST PRESS
START
Secure the band at about shoulder height around
an immobile object, or use the door attachment
and face away from the door. Make sure that both
lengths of the band on either side are equal.
Either place both feet shoulder-width apart or
stagger step with one foot forward and the other
back.
MOVE
Press the bands out in front of the chest with
both arms and bring the band handles together,
squeezing the pecs as you press out, then return
to the start and repeat until you complete the
set. This targets more of the middle and lower
pecs. To target more of the upper pecs, attach the
band to a position close to the floor and press
the bands up and together in front of your face.
321
DUMBBELL FLY
START
Lie on a flat bench with your feet flat on the floor
and your back pressed against the pad. Begin
by holding the dumbbells with your arms straight
up from your shoulders and the weights directly
over your chest. Your palms should face each
other and your elbows should be slightly bent.
Maintain this angle of your elbows throughout
the entire exercise.
MOVE
Slowly lower your arms out to your sides until your
wrists come to about shoulder level or slightly
above. Bring your arms back toward the midline
of your body, focusing on using your pec muscles
to draw them back together.
INCLINE DUMBBELL FLY
START
Set an incline bench at a 30- to 45-degree angle.
Lie on the bench with your feet flat on the floor
and your back pressed against the pad. Begin by
holding the dumbbells with your arms straight up
from your shoulders and the dumbbells directly
over your upper chest. Your palms should face
each other and your elbows should be slightly
bent. Maintain this angle of your elbows throughout the entire exercise.
MOVE
Slowly lower your arms out to your sides until your
wrists come to about shoulder level or slightly
above. Bring your arms back toward the midline
of your body, focusing on using your pec muscles
to draw them back together.
322
DECLINE DUMBBELL FLY
START
Set an decline bench at a 30- to 40-degree angle.
Lie on the bench with your feet secured under the
ankle pads and your back pressed against the
pad. Begin by holding the dumbbells with your
arms straight up from your shoulders and the
dumbbells directly over your lower chest. Your
palms should face each other and your elbows
should be slightly bent. Maintain this angle of
your elbows throughout the entire exercise.
MOVE
Slowly lower your arms out to your sides until your
wrists come to about shoulder level or slightly
above. Bring your arms back toward the midline
of your body, focusing on using your pec muscles
to draw them back together.
EXERCISE-BALL DUMBBELL FLY
START
This exercise is similar to the fly on the flat bench
except that here your body works harder to keep
you stabilized. Grab two dumbbells and lie back
on a ball so that you face the ceiling. Your feet
should be firmly planted on the floor about shoulder-width apart. Begin by holding the dumbbells
with your arms straight up from your shoulders
and the weights directly over your chest. Your
palms should face each other and your elbows
should be slightly bent. Maintain this angle of
your elbows throughout the entire exercise.
MOVE
Slowly lower your arms out to your sides until your
wrists come to about shoulder level or slightly
above. Bring your arms back toward the midline
of your body, focusing on using your pec muscles
to draw them back together.
323
LEANING ONE-ARM DUMBBELL FLY
START
Take a dumbbell in one hand; with the
opposite hand, grasp a secure post such
as that on a power rack or cable apparatus. Lean out at about a 45-degree angle
away from the rack and let the hand with
the dumbbell hang to the floor.
MOVE
Keep the working arm straight with just
a slight bend in the elbow. Raise the
dumbbell in an upward fashion toward the
opposite shoulder, squeezing the pecs at
the top of the movement and then slowly
lowering the dumbbell back to the start
position. Repeat for reps on one arm and
then on the other arm.
CABLE FLY
START
Connect two of the single-handle D-grips
to the low pulleys of a cable crossover
apparatus. Position the bench in the
middle of the cable crossover apparatus
so that the cables are in line with your
chest. Lie on the bench with your feet
flat on the floor and your back pressed
against the pad. Begin by holding the
handles with your arms straight out at
your sides and your palms facing up while
maintaining a slight bend in your elbows.
MOVE
Use your pecs to bring the arms up and
together over your chest until your hands
meet, maintaining the slight bend in your
elbows as you do. Slowly return to the starting position by lowering your arms back
out to your sides until your wrists come
to about shoulder level or slightly above.
Note: You can also do this exercise on
an incline bench, decline bench, or exercise ball in a similar manner.
324
CABLE CROSSOVER
START
Attach single-handle D-grip handles to the upper
pulleys on a cable crossover apparatus. Stand
in the direct center of the machine with one foot
in front of the other and your knees slightly bent.
Grasp the handles with your palms facing down,
and keep your elbows slightly bent and pointing
up toward the ceiling. Lean slightly forward at
the waist.
MOVE
In a simultaneous downward and inward motion,
bring the handles to a point in the front of your
midsection, keeping your arms slightly bent.
Pause a moment and squeeze your pec muscles
before slowly allowing the handles to return to
the starting position.
LOW-PULLEY CABLE CROSSOVER
START
Attach single-handle D-grip handles to the lower
pulleys on a cable crossover apparatus. Stand in
the direct center of the apparatus with one foot
in front of the other and your knees slightly bent.
Grasp the handles with your palms facing up,
and keep your elbows slightly bent and pointing
down toward the floor and behind you. Maintain
the arch in your low back and keep your chest up.
MOVE
In a simultaneous upward and inward motion,
bring the handles to a point straight out in front
of you so that your hands are level with your
forehead. Pause a moment and squeeze your
pec muscles before slowly allowing the handles
to return to the starting position.
325
FLY MACHINE
START
Adjust the seat so that your shoulders, elbows,
and hands are all in line and your arms are
parallel to the floor when you grab the handles.
Your elbows should be slightly bent and pointing
behind you and your back should be flat against
the back pad.
MOVE
Forcefully bring the handles all the way together,
making sure to keep your elbows bent. Squeeze
your pecs for a second before reversing the
motion to allow the handles to go back to a point
where your hands are even with your chest.
ONE-ARM STANDING BAND FLY
START
Although you could do this exercise with both arms,
it’s often tough to find enough space or area to
attach two bands at the same height, so the onearm version is easier to set up and allows you to
focus on each side better. Attach the band to a
secure spot or use a door anchor. Place the band at
about shoulder height. Stand far enough away from
the band so that you have adequate tension at the
start of the movement. Hold the band with your arm
extended to the side with a slight bend in your elbow.
MOVE
Contract your pec to bring your arm across the
front of your body before returning your arm to the
start position. Repeat all reps on one arm and then
perform on the other arm. With the band in this
position, the focus is on the middle pec. To target
more of the upper pec, lower the attachment point
of the band toward the floor and bring your arm up
toward your face as it crosses your body. To target
more of the lower pec, attach the band higher than
shoulder height and bring your arm down toward
your opposite hip as it crosses your body.
326
TRX FLY
START
Set the TRX at a height that reduces your body
weight enough to perform this tough exercise.
Get in the push-up position with your hands in
the TRX handles, palms facing each other, and
toes only on the floor.
MOVE
Maintaining a slight bend in your elbows, extend
your arms out to your sides as wide as you can
to stretch the pecs, and lower your body toward
the floor. Then reverse the motion by contracting your pecs to bring your arms back together,
lifting your body weight. Start with a short range
of motion and gradually increase it as you get
stronger on this exercise.
PUSH-UP
START
Lie facedown on the floor with your hands slightly
wider than shoulder width. Your palms should be
flat on the floor and your elbows out to your sides,
so your upper arms form a 30- to 60-degree angle
with your torso. Your body should be straight with
just your palms and toes touching the floor.
MOVE
Raise your body up by pushing your palms into
the floor to fully extend your arms without locking
out the elbows at the top. Reverse the movement
to return your body toward the floor.
327
INCLINE PUSH-UP
START
This is similar to the push-up but with your hands
on a bench. Although this is called the incline
push-up, it focuses more on the lower pecs. Also,
because your upper body is raised from the floor,
the resistance your body provides is decreased
compared to doing the push-up on the floor.
This makes the incline push-up easier than the
standard push-up. Your hands should be placed
firmly on the bench and spaced slightly wider than
shoulder-width apart. Elbows are bent and upper
arms are out to your sides, so your upper arms
form a 30- to 60-degree angle with your torso.
Your body should be extended behind you with
just your toes touching the floor.
MOVE
Raise your body up by pushing your palms into the
bench to fully extend your arms without locking
out the elbows at the top. Reverse the movement
to return your upper body toward the bench.
DECLINE PUSH-UP
START
This is similar to the incline push-up, but your
body position is reversed. Although this is called
the decline push-up, it focuses more on the upper
pecs. Also, because your lower body is raised
from the floor, the resistance your body provides
is increased compared to doing the push-up on
the floor. This makes the decline push-up harder
than the standard push-up. Your hands are placed
firmly on the floor and spaced slightly wider than
shoulder-width apart. Elbows are bent and upper
arms are out to your sides, so your upper arms
form a 30- to 60-degree angle with your torso.
Your body should be extended behind you with
just your feet up on the bench and just your toes
touching the bench.
MOVE
Raise your body up by pushing your palms into the
floor to fully extend your arms without locking out
the elbows at the top. Reverse the movement to
return your upper body toward the floor.
328
EXERCISE-BALL PUSH-UP
START
This exercise is similar to the incline push-up but
uses a ball instead of a bench. The instability of
the exercise ball makes the exercise far more
difficult to perform than the standard push-up
and helps to work the shoulder girdle stabilizer
muscles and core. Make sure the ball is fairly
secure and get into push-up position with your
hands on the ball and feet on the floor. Your
elbows should be bent with your upper arms out
to your sides.
MOVE
Keeping your body straight, raise your body up by
pushing your palms into the ball to fully extend
your arms without locking out the elbows at the
top. Reverse the movement to return your upper
body toward the ball.
POWER PUSH-UP
START
Lie facedown on the floor with your hands slightly
wider than shoulder-width apart. Palms are flat
on the floor and elbows are out to your sides, so
your upper arms form a 30- to 60-degree angle
with your torso. Your body should be straight with
just your palms and toes touching the floor.
MOVE
Raise your body up from the floor by explosively
pushing your palms into the floor to fully extend
your arms so that your palms leave the floor. As
you land, allow your elbows to bend and immediately lower your body back to the floor.
329
PUSH-UP LADDER
START
Get in push-up position on the floor near a Smith
machine.
MOVE
Perform push-ups on the floor as described previously until you reach muscle failure. Immediately
move to the bar of the Smith machine set on
the lowest setting and continue doing push-ups
with your hands on the bar and feet on the floor,
similar to incline push-ups described previously.
Once you reach muscle failure, raise the bar one
notch on the Smith machine and continue doing
push-ups. Continue in this manner doing pushups to failure and raising the bar height on the
Smith machine by one notch until the bar is just
above waist height.
TRX PUSH-UP
START
Set the TRX at a height that reduces your body
weight enough to perform this exercise. Get in
the push-up position with your hands in the TRX
handles and your feet firmly on the floor.
MOVE
Bend your elbows like in a normal push-up to
lower your body until your chest is level with the
handles. Keep your elbows tucked in slightly so
that your upper arms form a 30- to 60-degree
angle with your torso during this exercise.
Reverse the motion by pressing your arms down
to lift your body weight until your arms are fully
extended.
330
CHEST DIP
START
Grasp the dip bars with your arms extended and
locked. Lean forward and bend your knees while
keeping your legs crossed.
MOVE
Keep your elbows out to your sides as you bend
them to lower your body down until your upper
arms are about parallel to the floor. Press your
hands into the bars to extend your arms and raise
your body back up.
DUMBBELL PULLOVER
START
Lie across a flat bench with your upper back
supported by the bench and your feet flat on the
floor about shoulder-width apart or wider. Hold
the inside edge of a dumbbell at arm’s length
directly over your chest and drop your hips slightly
toward the floor.
MOVE
Bring your arms back behind your head as far
as possible while keeping a slight bend in your
elbows. Reverse the direction and pull the weight
back up over your chest.
331
CHAPTER 15
Shoulders
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the shoulders, or
deltoid muscles. The deltoid muscles are divided
into the front (anterior) head, middle (lateral) head,
and rear (posterior) head. (See the diagram.)
Although many of these exercises are pressing
movements (such as the barbell overhead press)
that are multijoint exercises, requiring the use
of the trapezius and the triceps as well as the
deltoids, they are considered primarily shoulder
exercises because of the movement of the upper
arms overhead. The shoulder exercises are divided
into pressing exercises, upright row exercises,
and raises. There are also rotator cuff exercises
at the end for keeping your shoulder stabilizers
strong and preventing injury, which is an all-toocommon problem among weightlifters with weak
rotator cuff muscles. The pressing exercises are
further divided into barbell overhead pressing exercises; dumbbell overhead pressing exercises; and
machine, band, and body-weight overhead pressing
exercises. The upright row exercises are further
divided into barbell upright row exercises, Smith
machine upright row exercises, dumbbell upright
row exercises, cable upright row exercises, and
band upright row exercises. The raises are further
divided into front raise exercises, lateral raise
exercises, and rear deltoid exercises. Wherever a
certain type of exercise is used in a workout, any
one of the same type can be substituted.
Front
head
Middle
head
Rear
head
E6002/Stoppani/fig 15.01/496156/alw/R1-pulled
332
Shoulders
Barbell Overhead Pressing Exercises
Seated barbell overhead press
Barbell overhead press with bands
Seated barbell behind-the-neck press
Standing barbell overhead press
Smith machine seated overhead press
Smith machine seated behind-the-neck
press
Smith machine shoulder press throw
Dumbbell Overhead Pressing Exercises
Seated dumbbell overhead press
Seated neutral-grip overhead dumbbell
press
Arnold press
Standing dumbbell overhead press
334
334
335
335
336
336
337
337
338
338
339
Machine, Band, and Body-Weight
Overhead Pressing Exercise
Seated machine overhead press
Band shoulder press
Pike push-up
TRX pike push-up
339
340
340
341
Upright Rowing Exercises
Barbell upright row
Dumbbell upright row
Smith machine upright row
One-arm Smith machine upright row
Cable upright row
Band upright row
341
342
342
343
343
344
Front Raise Exercises
Barbell front raise
Dumbbell front raise
One-arm dumbbell front raise
Weight plate front raise
Cable front raise
One-arm cable front raise
Seated incline front raise
Prone incline front raise
Band front raise
344
345
345
346
346
347
347
348
348
333
Lateral Raise Exercises
Dumbbell lateral raise
One-arm dumbbell lateral raise
Seated dumbbell lateral raise
One-arm cable lateral raise
Machine lateral raise
Smith machine lateral raise
Band lateral raise
349
349
350
350
351
351
352
Rear Deltoid Exercises
Bent-over lateral raise
One-arm bent-over lateral raise
Incline bench rear lateral raise
Standing cable reverse fly
Lying cable reverse fly
Cross-body rear deltoid raise
Band bent-over lateral raise
Band pull
One-arm band rear delt fly
Face pull
Smith machine face pull
352
353
353
354
354
355
355
356
356
357
357
Rotator Cuff Exercises
Cable external rotation
Dumbbell external rotation
Cable internal rotation
Dumbbell internal rotation
Empty can lift
358
358
359
359
360
SEATED BARBELL OVERHEAD PRESS
START
Sit on a bench with a vertical back, such as a
shoulder press bench, or an adjustable bench
that adjusts to 90 degrees. Plant your feet flat on
the floor and unrack the bar using an overhand
grip with your hands slightly wider than shoulder
width on the bar. Bring the bar over and in front
of your head to the starting position—under your
chin and just above your upper chest.
MOVE
Press the bar straight up overhead until your arms
are fully extended but not locked out. Slowly lower
the bar back to the starting position.
BARBELL OVERHEAD PRESS WITH BANDS
START
Depending on your setup, either place the bands
underneath the bench and the cuffs around either
side of the barbell, or use the straps and place
bands on both sides of the base of the rack
and up around either end of the barbell. Sit on
a bench with a vertical back such as a shoulder
press bench or an adjustable bench that adjusts
to 90 degrees. Plant your feet flat on the floor
and unrack the bar using an overhand grip with
your hands slightly wider than shoulder width on
the bar. Bring the bar over and in front of your
head to the start position—under your chin and
just above your upper chest.
MOVE
Press the bar straight overhead until your arms
are fully extended but not locked out. Slowly lower
the bar to the start position.
334
SEATED BARBELL BEHIND-THE-NECK PRESS
START
Sit on a bench with a vertical back, such as a
shoulder press bench or an adjustable bench that
adjusts to 90 degrees. Plant your feet flat on the
floor and unrack the bar using an overhand grip
with your hands slightly wider than shoulder width
on the bar. Bring the bar behind your head to a
level that is even with the lower part of your ears.
MOVE
Press the bar straight up overhead and slightly
back until your arms are fully extended but not
locked out. Slowly lower the bar back to the
starting position.
STANDING BARBELL OVERHEAD PRESS
START
Stand holding a barbell with an overhand grip
with your hands spaced just outside shoulder
width. Hold the bar just over your upper chest
and below your chin. Your feet should be spaced
just slightly wider than shoulder width and your
knees should have a slight bend.
MOVE
Press the bar straight overhead, stopping just
short of elbow lockout. Then slowly lower the bar
back to the starting position.
335
SMITH MACHINE SEATED OVERHEAD PRESS
START
Position an adjustable bench to 90 degrees or
use a low-back bench, and place it within the
Smith machine so that the bar lowers just in front
of your face. Sit on the bench with your feet flat
on the floor and your back flat against the bench.
Grasp the bar just outside shoulder width and
unlatch it from the safety supports. Lower the
bar to just below your chin.
MOVE
Contract your shoulders and extend your arms
to press the weight up until your arms are fully
extended but not locked out. Slowly lower the bar
back to the starting position.
SMITH MACHINE SEATED BEHIND-THE-NECK PRESS
START
Position a low-back bench or an adjustable bench
to 90 degrees, and place it within the Smith
machine so that the bar lowers just behind your
head. Sit on the bench with your feet flat on the
floor and your back flat against the bench. Grasp
the bar just outside shoulder width and unlatch it
from the safety supports. Lower the bar behind
the head to lower-ear level.
MOVE
Press the bar straight up overhead until your arms
are fully extended but not locked out. Slowly lower
the bar back to the starting position.
336
SMITH MACHINE SHOULDER PRESS THROW
START
Position a low-back bench in the Smith machine
so that the bar lowers just in front of your face.
Sit in the bench with your feet flat on the floor
and your back flat against the bench. Grasp the
bar just outside shoulder width and unlatch it
from the safety supports. Lower the bar to just
below your chin.
MOVE
Explosively contract your shoulders and extend
your arms as fast as possible to press the weight
up until your arms are fully extended and throw
the bar upward, letting go with both arms. As the
bar returns, catch it and slowly lower the bar back
to the start position.
SEATED DUMBBELL OVERHEAD PRESS
START
Sit on a low-back bench with your feet firmly
planted on the floor. Hold a pair of dumbbells
at shoulder height. Begin with your palms facing
forward and your elbows just below shoulder
level but slightly forward. Forearms are angled in
slightly so that the inner plates of the dumbbells
are directly above your shoulders.
MOVE
Push the weights straight up, stopping just
short of locking out your elbows. Then control
the dumbbells all the way down until your upper
arms are parallel with the floor or slightly lower
and the weights are at approximately ear level.
337
SEATED NEUTRAL-GRIP OVERHEAD DUMBBELL PRESS
START
Sit on a low-back bench with your feet firmly
planted on the floor. Hold a pair of dumbbells
at shoulder height. Begin with your palms facing
toward each other and your elbows just below
shoulder level and directed forward.
MOVE
Push the weights straight up, stopping just short
of locking out your elbows. Then control the
dumbbells all the way down until your upper arms
are parallel with the floor or slightly lower and your
elbows are pointed forward and the weights are
at approximately ear level.
ARNOLD PRESS
START
Sit on a low-back bench with your feet firmly
planted on the floor. Hold a pair of dumbbells
at shoulder height. Begin with your palms facing
toward your shoulders and your elbows down
and forward.
MOVE
Push the weights straight up, pronating your
hands once the dumbbells reach eye level so
that your palms are facing forward at full arm
extension. Control the dumbbells all the way
back down in the reverse motion to the starting
position.
338
STANDING DUMBBELL OVERHEAD PRESS
START
Stand holding a pair of dumbbells at shoulder
height with your feet about shoulder-width apart
and knees slightly bent. Begin with your palms
facing forward and your elbows just below shoulder level but slightly forward. Forearms are angled
in slightly so that the inner plates of the dumbbells are directly above your shoulders.
MOVE
Push the weights straight up, stopping just
short of locking out your elbows. Then control
the dumbbells all the way down until your upper
arms are parallel with the floor or slightly lower
and the weights are at approximately ear level.
SEATED MACHINE OVERHEAD PRESS
START
Sit in a seated machine overhead press station
with your feet firmly planted on the floor and your
back flat against the seat back. Hold the machine
handles with your palms facing forward and your
hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Push the handle up overhead to full arm extension, stopping just short of locking out your
elbows. Then control the weight all the way down
until your upper arms are parallel with the floor or
slightly lower and the handle is at approximately
ear level.
339
BAND SHOULDER PRESS
START
Stand in a staggered stance with the band placed
securely under your back foot. Make sure that
the band has equal lengths on either side. Step
forward with your right foot. Bring the handles up
and around behind the shoulders.
MOVE
Press straight up until your arms are completely
extended but not locked out at the elbows. Return
your arms to the start position and repeat for
reps.
PIKE PUSH-UP
START
Place your hands on the floor in a push-up position with your feet up on something such as a
bench or an exercise ball. Flex your hips to lift
your glutes up and place your torso in a perpendicular position with the floor.
MOVE
Maintaining the bend in your hips, lower your body
to the floor until the top of your head touches
the floor and then contract your shoulders to
extend your arms to full extension to lift your
body back up.
340
TRX PIKE PUSH-UP
START
Get in the push-up position with your hands on
the floor and your feet in the TRX stirrups. Flex
your hips to lift your glutes up and place your
torso perpendicular with the floor.
MOVE
Maintaining the bend in your hips, lower your body
to the floor until the top of your head touches
the floor and then contract your shoulders to
extend your arms to full extension to lift your
body back up.
BARBELL UPRIGHT ROW
START
Stand holding a barbell across the front of your
thighs with your feet shoulder-width apart and
knees slightly bent. Place your hands wider than
shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Lift the bar straight up to chest height, keeping
the bar close to your body and keeping your
elbows higher than your wrists at all times. Pause
for a moment at the top when the upper arms
are parallel with the floor, and then slowly lower
the bar back to the starting position.
341
DUMBBELL UPRIGHT ROW
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a pair of dumbbells in front of your thighs.
Palms are facing toward your legs and elbows
are slightly bent.
MOVE
Bring your elbows up and out to your sides as you
lift the dumbbells, keeping your wrists straight
and the dumbbells close to your body. When your
elbows reach shoulder level, hold for a second
in the top position before slowly lowering the
dumbbells to the starting position.
SMITH MACHINE UPRIGHT ROW
START
Stand in the middle of a Smith machine, holding
the bar with an overhand grip across the front of
your thighs. Your feet are shoulder-width apart
and knees are slightly bent. Place your hands
wider than shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Lift the bar up to chest height while keeping your
elbows higher than your wrists at all times. Pause
for a moment at the top when the upper arms
are parallel with the floor, and then slowly lower
the bar back to the starting position.
342
ONE-ARM SMITH MACHINE UPRIGHT ROW
START
Stand in the middle of a Smith machine with the
bar set at about midthigh height. Grab the bar
with your left hand using an overhand grip with
your hand about 4 inches (10 centimeters) to the
side of your thigh and unrack the bar
MOVE
Pull the bar up to chest height, leading with
the elbow that you allow to flair out to the side
as much as possible. This variation places the
majority of the focus on the middle head of the
deltoid and is a more natural movement for the
shoulder, which prevents shoulder pain and risk
of injury as can occur when upright rows are
performed incorrectly. Another benefit of this
exercise is that because you are using only one
arm, you can focus more on each deltoid working.
After finishing all reps on the left side, repeat on
the right side.
CABLE UPRIGHT ROW
START
Stand in front of a pulley cable apparatus holding
a straight bar attached to a low pulley with an
overhand grip that is about hip-width to shoulder-width apart or wider. Your feet should be
shoulder-width apart and your knees are slightly
bent. The bar is across the front of your thighs.
MOVE
Lift the bar up to chest height while keeping your
elbows higher than your wrists at all times. Pause
for a moment at the top and then slowly lower
the bar back to the starting position.
343
BAND UPRIGHT ROW
START
Stand lengthwise on an exercise band with a
hip- to shoulder-width stance. Hold the handles of
the bands with an overhand grip and your hands
about shoulder-width apart in front of your legs.
MOVE
Keeping the band close to your body, pull the
handles up to chest level, or until your upper
arms are about parallel with the floor. Hold this
top position for a second and then slowly lower
the handles back to the start position and repeat
for reps.
BARBELL FRONT RAISE
START
Stand holding a barbell across the front of your
thighs. Your feet are shoulder-width apart and
knees are slightly bent. You should have an overhand grip with your hands about shoulder-width
apart.
MOVE
Lift the bar straight up and out in front of your
body until your arms are just past parallel with the
floor. Pause for a moment at the top before slowly
lowering the bar back to the starting position.
344
DUMBBELL FRONT RAISE
START
Stand holding a pair of dumbbells across the
front of your thighs. Your feet are shoulder-width
apart and knees are slightly bent. You should
have an overhand grip.
MOVE
Lift the dumbbells straight up and out in front of
your body until your arms are just past parallel
with the floor. Pause for a moment at the top
before slowly lowering the bar back to the starting position. To do alternating front dumbbell
raise, lift one dumbbell up and down at a time,
alternating sides.
ONE-ARM DUMBBELL FRONT RAISE
START
Stand holding a dumbbell with one hand across
the front of your thigh. Feet are shoulder-width
apart and knees are slightly bent. You should
have an overhand grip.
MOVE
Lift the dumbbell straight up and out in front of
your body until your arm is just past parallel with
the floor. Pause for a moment at the top before
slowly lowering the dumbbell back to the starting
position. Perform all reps on one side and then
repeat with the other arm.
345
WEIGHT PLATE FRONT RAISE
START
Stand holding a weight plate by its edges in front
of your thighs. Keep your feet shoulder-width
apart and knees slightly bent.
MOVE
Lift the weight plate straight up and out in front
of your body until your arms are just past parallel with the floor. Pause for a moment at the
top before slowly lowering the plate back to the
start position.
CABLE FRONT RAISE
START
Stand with your back toward a low-pulley cable
apparatus. With an overhand grip, grab onto the
straight-bar attachment connected to the low
pulley. The bar should be in front of your thighs
with the cable running through your legs. This
can also be done with a rope attachment using
a neutral grip.
MOVE
In a smooth motion, lift the handle up and
straight out in front of you until your arms are
just past parallel with the floor, keeping your arms
straight throughout. Hold for a second and then
slowly lower the attachment back to the starting
position.
346
ONE-ARM CABLE FRONT RAISE
START
Stand with your back toward a low-pulley cable
apparatus. With one hand in an overhand grip,
grab onto the single-handle D-grip attachment
connected to the low pulley. The handle should
be on the side of your thighs.
MOVE
In a smooth motion, lift the handle up and
straight out in front of you until your arm is just
past parallel with the floor, keeping your arm
straight throughout. Hold for a second and then
slowly lower the attachment back to the starting
position.
SEATED INCLINE FRONT RAISE
START
Sit on an incline bench set to 45 degrees while
holding a barbell across your thighs. You should
have an overhand grip on the bar using a shoulder-width grip.
MOVE
Lift the bar up in front of you until your arms are
past parallel with the floor, keeping your arms
straight throughout. Hold for a second and then
slowly lower the bar back to the starting position.
347
PRONE INCLINE FRONT RAISE
START
Sit in reverse direction straddling an incline bench
set to 45 degrees while holding a barbell with
an overhand grip. Your feet should be as flat as
possible on the floor with your chest pressed
into the bench and your chin above the top of the
bench. With an overhand grip, hold the barbell
with your hands shoulder-width apart. The barbell
should hang straight down from your shoulders.
MOVE
Lift the bar up in front of you until your arms are
parallel with the floor, keeping your arms straight
throughout. Hold for a second and then slowly
lower the bar back to the starting position.
BAND FRONT RAISE
START
Standing upright, place the exercise band underneath both feet and grab the handles with an
overhand grip. Be sure that the band heights on
both sides are fairly even so that you have even
resistance on both sides.
MOVE
Maintaining a slight bend in your elbows, slowly
raise both arms up and out in front of you until
your arms are parallel with the floor or higher.
Hold this position for a second as you contract
your shoulders as hard as you can and then
slowly lower your arms back to the start position.
Repeat for reps.
348
DUMBBELL LATERAL RAISE
START
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart
while holding two dumbbells with neutral grips
at your sides.
MOVE
Slowly raise the dumbbells up and out to your
sides. Keep your arms straight with a very slight
bend in your elbows. When your arms reach
just above parallel with the floor, pause in this
position for a second before slowly lowering the
dumbbells back to the starting position.
ONE-ARM DUMBBELL LATERAL RAISE
START
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart
while holding one dumbbell with a neutral grip
at your side.
MOVE
Slowly raise the dumbbell up and out to your side.
Keep your arm straight with a very slight bend in
your elbow. When your arm reaches just above
parallel with the floor, pause in this position for
a second before slowly lowering the dumbbell
back to the starting position. Repeat with the
other arm.
349
SEATED DUMBBELL LATERAL RAISE
START
Sit on a flat bench with your feet firmly planted
on the floor while holding two dumbbells with
neutral grips at your sides.
MOVE
Slowly raise the dumbbells up and out to your
sides. Keep your arms straight with a very slight
bend in your elbows. When your arms reach
just above parallel with the floor, pause in this
position for a second before slowly lowering the
dumbbells back to the starting position.
ONE-ARM CABLE LATERAL RAISE (FRONT OF BODY OR BEHIND)
START
Stand with your right shoulder toward a low-pulley cable apparatus. Your feet should be about
shoulder-width apart. Hold a single-handle D-grip
attachment that is attached to the low pulley in
your left hand in front of your left thigh or behind
your left thigh.
MOVE
Slowly raise the handle up and out to your side,
keeping your arm straight with a very slight bend
in your elbow. When your arm reaches just above
parallel with the floor, pause in this position for
a second before slowly lowering the handle back
to the starting position.
350
MACHINE LATERAL RAISE
START
Sit in a lateral raise machine with your upper
arms pressed against the arm pads of the
machine.
MOVE
Lift your upper arms up and out to your sides
until your arms are parallel with the floor.
Pause for a second and then slowly return your
arms to the starting position.
SMITH MACHINE LATERAL RAISE
START
Place light weight on the bar of a Smith
machine and set the bar just above waist
height. Stand in the middle of the Smith
machine with your right arm touching the bar.
Bend your right arm at the elbow 90 degrees
so that your forearm is parallel with the bar.
Unlatch the bar with your left hand and support
the bar with your forearm.
MOVE
Maintaining the bend at your elbow, raise your
arm to lift the bar to about shoulder height.
Hold this position for a second, contracting
your deltoid as hard as possible, then slowly
lower the bar back to just above waist height,
keeping the bar in contact with your forearm.
Complete all reps with your right arm and then
repeat in the same manner on the left side.
351
BAND LATERAL RAISE
START
Standing upright, place the exercise band underneath both feet and grab the handles with a
neutral grip. Be sure that the band heights on
both sides are fairly even so that you have even
resistance on both sides.
MOVE
Maintaining a slight bend in your elbows, slowly
raise both arms up and out to your sides until
your arms are parallel with the floor or higher.
Hold this position for a second as you contract
your shoulders as hard as you can, and then
slowly lower your arms to the start position.
Repeat for reps.
BENT-OVER LATERAL RAISE
START
Stand with your knees slightly bent. Holding a
pair of dumbbells in front of you with your palms
facing toward each other, bend forward from the
hips, keeping your back flat and your head in line
with your spine. Allow your arms to hang straight
down from your shoulders and bend your elbows
slightly.
MOVE
Slowly lift the dumbbells up and out to the sides
of your body, pulling through the rear delts and
middle traps. Pause a moment at the top of the
motion before slowly lowering the weights back
down to the starting position.
352
ONE-ARM BENT-OVER LATERAL RAISE
START
Lean forward at the hips, place your right hand
on your thigh or a bench for support, and hold a
dumbbell in your left hand with your arm extended
straight down.
MOVE
Raise the weight straight out to the side until your
arm is parallel with the floor. Pause a moment
at the top of the motion before slowly lowering
the weight back down to the starting position.
Repeat with the right arm.
INCLINE BENCH REAR LATERAL RAISE
START
Sit in reverse direction straddling an incline bench
set below 45 degrees while holding dumbbells
with neutral grips. Your feet should be flat on the
floor or positioned on the frame of the bench to
secure your position with your chest pressed
into the bench and your chin above the top of
the bench. Hold the dumbbells so that they hang
straight down from your shoulders.
MOVE
Slowly lift the dumbbells up and out to the sides
of your body, pulling through the rear delts and
middle traps. Pause a moment at the top of the
motion before slowly lowering the weights back
down to the starting position.
353
STANDING CABLE REVERSE FLY
START
Stand in the center of a cable crossover apparatus. Start with hands crossed in front of you at
shoulder height with the left high cable in your
right hand and the right in your left hand.
MOVE
Using your rear delts, pull your elbows out and
back as far as possible, then return to the starting position.
LYING CABLE REVERSE FLY
START
Lie faceup on a flat bench placed in the middle
of a cable crossover apparatus. Hold D-handles
attached to the high cable pulleys from opposite
sides of the cable apparatus with a neutral grip.
Hold your arms straight out above your chest with
a slight bend in your elbows.
MOVE
Maintain the slight bend in your elbows as you
extend at your shoulders to pull your arms out
to your sides until your hands are parallel with
your shoulders. Return the handles to the start
position and repeat for reps.
354
CROSS-BODY REAR DELTOID RAISE
START
Lie on a flat bench so that one side of your body
is flush against it. Position your nonworking arm
under your body on the bench. Position your
working arm, dumbbell in hand, to hang across
your body. Your elbow is slightly bent and your
palm is down.
MOVE
Contract your shoulder to lift the dumbbell
upward. Retrace the movement back to the
starting position.
BAND BENT-OVER LATERAL RAISE
START
Place an exercise band on the floor in front of
your feet. Stand on the middle of the band with
both feet and bend forward from the hips to reach
down and grab the handles with opposite-side
hands. In other words, your right hand should
grab the handle extending from your left foot and
your left hand should grab the handle extending
from your right foot. Keep your torso parallel with
the floor or slightly higher and maintain a slight
bend in your elbows.
MOVE
Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you
contract your rear deltoids to extend your arms
at the shoulders until your arms are parallel with
the floor or higher. Hold this position for a second
as you contract your rear delts and middle traps
as hard as possible and then return your arms
to the start position. Repeat for reps.
355
BAND PULL
START
Hold an exercise band with a shoulder-width grip
and arms extended straight out in front of you.
MOVE
Contract your rear deltoids and middle traps to
pull the band apart until your arms are out to
your sides. Slowly return your hands to the start
position.
ONE-ARM BAND REAR DELT FLY
START
Attach the band to a stable post or door attachment at about shoulder height. Hold the band
with a neutral grip and your arm extended straight
out in front of you.
MOVE
Contract your rear deltoid and middle trap to
extend your arm back until it is out to your side.
Return your hand to the start position and repeat
all reps on one side before performing on the
other side.
356
FACE PULL
START
Attach a rope to the cable pulley of a lat pulldown
station. Grab the ends of the rope attachment
using a neutral grip (palms facing each other)
and place one foot up on the knee-pad post and
lean back at about 45 degrees.
MOVE
Pull the rope toward your face as you spread the
ends of the rope so they end up on the sides of
your ears just above your shoulders in the finish
position. Your upper arms should be straight out
to your sides with elbows bent. Hold this position
for a second as you squeeze your shoulder blades
together, contracting rear delts and middle traps
as hard as possible. Then slowly return the rope
to the start position and repeat for reps. While
this move somewhat mimics a cable row for the
lats, because you are pulling the rope high to your
shoulders, it places less focus on the lats and
more focus on the rear delts and middle traps.
\INSERT Photo
E6002_0738P_2416,
TP 15.47, ID: 497130,
here\
SMITH MACHINE FACE PULL
START
Stand in the Smith machine with a shoulder-width
stance and bend forward from the hips so that
your torso is just above parallel with the floor and
your neck is lined up over the bar. Using a wider
than shoulder-width grip, grab the bar.
MOVE
Slowly pull the bar up toward your neck. Hold this
position for a second and then slowly lower the
bar to the start and repeat for reps.
357
CABLE EXTERNAL ROTATION
START
This exercise is a great way to strengthen the
rotator cuff muscles, particularly the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. Position a cable
pulley with a D-handle attached to it at waist
height. Stand sideways to the cable so that the
working arm is farthest from the pulley. Hold the
cable while keeping a 90-degree bend in your
elbow and with your hand reaching across to the
opposite side of your waist.
MOVE
While maintaining the bend in your elbow, rotate
your arm at the shoulder until you can no longer
rotate it. Slowly return the handle to the start
position. Complete all reps with that arm, then
switch arms, facing the opposite direction. You
can also do this with bands in the same manner.
DUMBBELL EXTERNAL ROTATION
START
Lie on your side on a flat bench with your nonworking arm lying on the bench. Your working arm
should be bent at 90 degrees and your biceps
should be pressed against your side while you
hold a dumbbell directly in front of your torso.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arm pressed against your
side and your elbow bent, lift the dumbbell until
it is directly above your torso. Return to the start
and repeat for reps. After completing all the reps
with one arm, switch to the other arm.
358
CABLE INTERNAL ROTATION
START
This exercise is a good rotator cuff exercise
and specifically strengthens the subscapularis
muscle. Position a cable pulley with a D-handle
attached to it at waist height. Stand sideways
with the working arm facing the pulley. Hold the
handle in the hand closer to the pulley with your
forearm in line with your abdomen and your arm
bent 90 degrees and elbow in tight to your side.
MOVE
Keeping your arm bent and your elbow in at your
side, slowly pull the handle across your body
until your hand reaches the opposite side of
your waist. Slowly return the handle to the start
position. Complete all reps with that arm, then
switch arms, facing the opposite direction. You
can also do this with bands in the same manner.
DUMBBELL INTERNAL ROTATION
START
Lie on your side on a flat bench with your working
arm on the bench in front of you with your upper
arm parallel to your torso and your elbow bent at
90 degrees and pressed against your side while
you hold a dumbbell directly in front of your torso.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arm pressed against your
side and your elbow bent, lift the dumbbell until
it is directly above your torso. Return to the start
and repeat for reps. After completing all the reps
with one arm, switch to the other arm.
359
EMPTY CAN LIFT
START
Standing upright, hold a pair of light dumbbells
or weight plates in your hands in front of your
thighs with an overhand grip so that your palms
face your thighs.
MOVE
Lift your arms up and out to your sides until
your arms are parallel with the floor. In the top
position your pinky fingers should be on top and
your thumbs on the bottom.
360
CHAPTER 16
Back
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the back muscles,
including the latissimus dorsi (lat), teres major,
rhomboids (just below the trapezius), and the deep
spinal erectors. See the diagram for the location
of each muscle. The back exercises are divided
into barbell rowing exercises, dumbbell rowing
exercises, cable or band and machine rowing
exercises, body-weight rowing exercises, pull-up
and pulldown exercises, pullover exercises, and
low-back exercises. Wherever a certain type of
exercise is used in a workout, any one of the same
type can be substituted.
Teres major
Rhomboid
Spinal erectors
Latissimus dorsi
E6002/Stoppani/fig 16.01/496189/alw/R2-pulled
361
362
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Barbell Rowing Exercises
Barbell row
Underhand-grip barbell row
Pendlay row
Supported barbell row
Barbell row with bands
Smith machine bent-over row
Smith machine one-arm bent-over row
Smith machine power row
Barbell power row
T-bar row
Supported T-bar row
363
363
364
364
365
365
366
366
367
367
368
Dumbbell Rowing Exercises
Dumbbell row
One-arm dumbbell row
Incline dumbbell row
Dumbbell power row
368
369
369
370
Cable or Band and Machine Rowing Exercises
Seated cable row
370
One-arm seated cable row
371
One-arm bent-over cable row
371
Reverse incline bench one-arm
cable row
372
Incline bench cable row from high pulley 372
Machine row
373
Band bent-over row
373
Pull-Up and Pulldown Exercises
Pull-up
Chin-up
Lat pulldown
Reverse-grip pulldown
Behind-the-neck pulldown
One-arm pulldown
Standing pulldown
Inverted row
TRX inverted row
Band pulldown
Band straight-arm pulldown
Lying straight-arm pulldown
374
374
375
375
376
376
377
377
378
378
379
379
Pullover Exercises
Straight-arm pullover
Straight-arm decline bench pullover
Straight-arm pulldown
One-arm straight-arm pulldown
Dumbbell straight-arm pullback
380
380
381
381
382
Low-Back Exercises
Stiff-leg deadlift
Barbell good morning
Back extension
Lying back extension
Superman back extension
382
383
383
384
384
BARBELL ROW
START
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart
with a slight bend in your knees. Bend forward
from the hips, keeping your torso just above parallel to the floor and your chest lifted to maintain
the natural arch in your back. Take an overhand
grip on the bar, hands just outside shoulder width.
MOVE
Pull the bar into your lower abs, contract your lats
and middle-back muscles hard, then slowly lower
the bar all the way down to full arm extension.
UNDERHAND-GRIP BARBELL ROW
START
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart
with a slight bend in your knees. Bend forward
from the hips, keeping your torso just above parallel to the floor and your chest lifted to maintain
the natural arch in your back. Take an underhand
grip on the bar, hands shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Pull the bar into your lower abs, contract your lats
and middle-back muscles hard, then slowly lower
the bar all the way down to full arm extension.
363
PENDLAY ROW
START
With your feet shoulder-width apart,
bend over from the hips and grasp a
barbell on the floor with an overhand
grip. Bend your knees slightly and
make sure that your back is perfectly
straight and parallel to the floor.
MOVE
Maintaining the position of your legs
and back, pull the bar up to your lower
chest or upper abs. Hold this position
for a second as you squeeze your lats
hard at the top. Lower the bar with
control to the floor. Relax your grip,
reset, and repeat.
SUPPORTED BARBELL ROW
START
Adjust an incline bench so that the
top of the back pad is about waist
high. Stand behind the bench holding
a barbell with an overhand grip just
outside shoulder width. Bend forward
from the hips and rest your chest on
the top of the bench and let the barbell hang straight down below your
shoulders. Your feet should be about
shoulder-width apart and your knees
should be slightly bent.
MOVE
Pull the bar in to your lower abs, contract your lats and middle-back muscles hard, then slowly lower the bar all
the way down to full arm extension.
Note: You can also do this exercise
with an underhand grip, as well as with
dumbbells.
364
BARBELL ROW WITH BANDS
START
Place the ends of a band onto the ends of a
loaded barbell as shown. Stand on the middle
of the band with your feet about shoulder-width
apart with a slight bend in your knees. Bend
forward from the hips, keeping your torso just
above parallel to the floor and your chest lifted
to maintain the natural arch in your back. Take
an overhand grip on the bar, hands just outside
shoulder width.
MOVE
Pull the bar into your lower abs, contract your lats
and middle-back muscles hard, then slowly lower
the bar all the way down to full arm extension.
SMITH MACHINE BENT-OVER ROW
START
Stand in a Smith machine with the bar set on
the lowest setting. Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart with a slight bend in your knees.
Bend forward from the hips, keeping your torso
just above parallel to the floor and your chest
lifted to maintain the natural arch in your back.
Take an overhand grip on the bar, hands just
outside shoulder width.
MOVE
Pull the bar in to your lower abs, contract your lats
and middle-back muscles hard, then slowly lower
the bar all the way down to full arm extension.
Note: You can also do this exercise with an
underhand grip.
365
SMITH MACHINE ONE-ARM BENT-OVER ROW
START
Stand sideways in the middle of the
Smith machine with the bar set on the
lowest setting and on the side of your
right leg. Stand in a staggered stance
with your left leg in front of your right
and a slight bend in your knees. Bend
forward from the hips, keeping your
torso just above parallel to the floor and
your chest lifted to maintain the natural
arch in your back. Rest your left hand on
your lower thigh for support. Grab the
bar in the middle with your right hand.
MOVE
Pull the bar up as high as possible as
you contract your lats and middle-back
muscles hard, then slowly lower the
bar all the way down to full arm extension. Complete all reps with the right
arm, then repeat on the left side.
SMITH MACHINE POWER ROW
START
Stand sideways in the middle of the
Smith machine so that the outside
of your right leg is almost touching
the bar. Bend forward from the hips
so that your torso is at about a
45-degree angle with the floor. Grab
the middle of the bar with your right
hand using an open grip (thumb on
same side as fingers).
MOVE
Use your legs, hips, and lower back
to generate the initial power that will
transfer to your lats and arm to pull
the bar up as high as possible. Let
go of the bar in the top position and
then grab it as it starts its descent
back to the start position. Repeat for
reps, completing all reps on the right
side and then switching your position
to repeat on the left side.
366
BARBELL POWER ROW
START
Stand in a power rack with a barbell resting on
the safety pins set just above knee height. Keep
your feet about shoulder-width apart with a slight
bend in your knees. Bend forward from the hips,
keeping your torso just above parallel to the floor
and your chest lifted to maintain the natural arch
in your back. Take an overhand grip on the bar,
hands just outside shoulder width.
MOVE
With a fast and powerful move, pull the bar up to
your waist and lower it back to the pins. Pause for
several seconds with the bar on the pins before
doing another rep.
Note: You can also do this exercise with an
underhand grip.
T-BAR ROW
START
With your feet shoulder-width apart and your
knees slightly bent, grab the handles with an
open grip. Bend at the hips and keep your back
arched throughout the movement.
MOVE
Pull the bar all the way to your chest and pause
at the top before lowering to a full stretch at the
bottom.
367
SUPPORTED T-BAR ROW
START
Lie on the pad of the T-bar row machine with your
chest supported and your feet firmly planted on
the foot platform. Take a wide, overhand grip on
the handles and unhook the bar from the rack
and support it with your arms hanging down at
full extension.
MOVE
Pull the bar as high as the apparatus will allow
and pause at the top before lowering to a full
stretch at the bottom.
DUMBBELL ROW
START
Holding two dumbbells with a neutral grip, stand
with your feet about shoulder-width apart while
maintaining a slight bend in your knees. Bend
forward from the hips, keeping your torso just
above parallel to the floor and your chest lifted
to maintain the natural arch in your back. Allow
the dumbbells to hang straight down below your
shoulders.
MOVE
Pull the dumbbells to your sides as high as possible while contracting your lats and middle-back
muscles hard. Then slowly lower the dumbbells
all the way down to full arm extension.
368
ONE-ARM DUMBBELL ROW
START
Grasp a dumbbell in one hand and rest your free
hand and same side leg on a bench. Keep your
chest slightly lifted as you bend forward from
the hips. Keep the other foot flat on the ground
for balance.
MOVE
Keeping your torso stable throughout the movement, pull the dumbbell all the way up to your
side, lifting your elbow as high as possible. Then
lower the dumbbell straight down to the starting
position.
INCLINE DUMBBELL ROW
START
Grasp a dumbbell in each hand and straddle an
incline bench set below 45 degrees. Your chest
should be supported by the bench with your chin
above the top. Let the dumbbells hang directly
below your shoulders.
MOVE
With your palms facing each other and your
elbows close to your body, pull the weights
as high as possible, squeezing your shoulder
blades together at the top. Hold this position for
a second before returning the dumbbells to the
start position.
369
DUMBBELL POWER ROW
START
Place a dumbbell on the floor between
your feet. Your legs should be about shoulder-width apart and your knees should be
bent so that your thighs are just above
parallel with the floor. With your left hand,
grasp the dumbbell with an overhand grip
and place your right hand firmly above your
right knee to brace your upper body.
MOVE
Start the movement by forcefully extending
your knees and hips to lift the dumbbell
from the floor, and then pull the dumbbell
up toward your left hip by pulling your elbow
as high as possible. Your grip should turn
so that when the dumbbell is at the top
your palm is facing your torso (neutral grip).
Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the floor
in the opposite manner you lifted it. After
finishing the desired number of reps, repeat
on the right side.
SEATED CABLE ROW
START
Sit on the cable row bench with your feet firmly
planted on the foot plate. Grab a low row bar
attached to the cable pulley. Keep your knees
slightly bent and your back straight. Maintain a
slight arch in your low back and keep your chest
out.
MOVE
Pull the handle toward your midsection, focusing on driving your elbows back until the handle
touches your lower abdomen. After squeezing
your shoulder blades together at the peak of
contraction, slowly return to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with an overhand or underhand grip on a lat bar.
370
ONE-ARM SEATED CABLE ROW
START
Sit on the cable row bench so that your right leg
is supported on the bench and your right foot is
firmly planted on the foot platform. Your left leg
should be bent and firmly planted on the floor.
Grab a single-handle D-grip attached to the cable
pulley. Keep your right knee slightly bent and your
back straight. Maintain a slight arch in your lower
back and keep your chest out.
MOVE
Pull the handle toward your side, focusing on
driving your elbow back as far as possible. Slowly
return to the starting position. After completing
the desired number of reps, repeat on the left
side.
ONE-ARM BENT-OVER CABLE ROW
START
Grasp a single-handle D-grip attached to a low
pulley with your left palm facing your body. Lean
forward about 45 degrees. Use a split stance:
The left foot should be back while the right is
forward. Or use a shoulder-width stance if it feels
more stable. Keep your chest up and shoulders
squared. Maintain a slight arch in your back.
MOVE
Pull the handle in to the left side of your waist
until your elbow is past your body. When you
return to the starting position, go for a deep
stretch. Complete the desired number of reps
and repeat on the right side.
371
REVERSE INCLINE BENCH ONE-ARM CABLE ROW
START
Place an incline bench next to a pulley apparatus
so that the higher end is near the low pulley and
to the right. Set the angle at about 45 to 60
degrees. Grasp the single-handle D-grip attachment attached to the low pulley with your left
hand. Sit straddling the bench and facing the
weight stack. Place your right hand on top of the
bench to support your upper body while extending
your left arm straight out in front of you.
MOVE
Pull on the handle, moving your elbow straight
back as far as possible. Squeeze your shoulder
blades together as you contract your lats briefly
before returning to the starting position.
INCLINE BENCH CABLE ROW FROM HIGH PULLEY
START
Place an incline bench (set to 45 degrees) about
a foot from a high-pulley cable apparatus. Grab
a straight bar attached to the high pulley and sit
down on the bench. Your feet are flat on the floor
and your back is flat against the bench. Extend
your arms in front of you so that they follow the
line of the cable.
MOVE
Pull the handle to your abdomen as you squeeze
your shoulder blades together. Contract your lats
briefly before returning the bar to the starting
position.
Note: You can do this exercise with a low row
bar or a rope attachment, and you can do it unilaterally using a single-handle D-grip attachment.
372
MACHINE ROW
START
Adjust the seat of the machine row so that your
arms are parallel to the floor when you grab the
handles. Adjust the chest pad so that the weight
plates do not touch the bottom of the stack when
you hold the handles with full arm extension.
With your feet flat on the floor, keep your chest
pressed against the chest pad while keeping your
back straight.
MOVE
Pull the handles toward your ribs, bringing your
elbows back as far as possible as you squeeze
your shoulder blades together and you contract
your lats briefly. Slowly return the handle to the
starting position with your arms fully extended.
Note: You can also do this exercise unilaterally.
BAND BENT-OVER ROW
START
Stand on an exercise band with your right foot.
Get in a staggered stance with your right leg in
front of your left and hold the handle of the band
with a neutral grip and your right arm extended
straight down. You can hold the other end of the
band with your left hand to stabilize the band.
Bend forward slightly at the hips.
MOVE
Pull the band up as high as possible with your
right arm. Hold the top position for a second
while contracting your lats as hard as possible
before slowly returning the handle to the start
position. Complete all reps on the right side and
then repeat on the left.
373
PULL-UP
START
Using an overhand grip, grab on to a chin-up bar
with your hands spaced wider than shoulder-width
apart. Hang from the bar with your arms fully
extended and your chest high while exaggerating
the arch in your lower back.
MOVE
Pull yourself up by squeezing your shoulder
blades together and contracting your lats until
your chin passes the bar. Hold the contraction
at the top for a second before slowly lowering
yourself back to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with the hands
closer together on the bar.
CHIN-UP
START
Using an underhand grip, grab on to a chin-up
bar with your hands spaced shoulder-width apart.
Hang from the bar with your arms fully extended
and your chest high while exaggerating the arch
in your low back.
MOVE
Pull yourself up by squeezing your shoulder
blades together and contracting your lats until
your chin passes the bar. Hold the contraction
at the top for a second before slowly lowering
yourself back to the starting position.
374
LAT PULLDOWN
START
Take an overhand grip that is wider than shoulder
width on a lat bar attached to the pulley on the
lat pulldown apparatus. Position yourself with
your feet flat on the floor, chest up, and low-back
arch exaggerated.
MOVE
Pull your shoulder blades together as you
squeeze your lats to initiate the movement,
pulling the bar down in a smooth motion to your
midsection. Hold the contraction for a moment,
then slowly return the bar all the way back to the
starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with the hands
closer together on the bar.
REVERSE-GRIP PULLDOWN
START
Take an underhand grip with your hands spaced
about shoulder-width on a lat bar or straight bar
attached to the pulley on the lat pulldown apparatus. Position yourself on the seat with your feet
flat on the floor, arms extended overhead, chest
up, and low-back arch exaggerated.
MOVE
Pull your shoulder blades together as you squeeze
your lats to initiate the movement, pulling the bar
down in a smooth motion to your chest. Hold the
contraction for a moment, then slowly return the
bar all the way back to the starting position.
375
BEHIND-THE-NECK PULLDOWN
START
Take an overhand grip that is wider than shoulder
width on a lat bar attached to the pulley on the lat
pulldown apparatus. Position yourself on the seat
with your feet flat on the floor, arms extended
overhead, and back leaning slightly forward.
MOVE
Pull your shoulder blades together as you
squeeze your lats to initiate the movement, pulling the bar down in a smooth motion to the back
of your neck. Hold the contraction for a moment,
then slowly return the bar all the way back to the
starting position.
ONE-ARM PULLDOWN
START
Sit side saddle on the pulldown seat with your
left arm closest to the pulley station. Grab a
D-handle with your left hand using an overhand
or neutral grip.
MOVE
Pull the handle down to the outside of your left
shoulder, bringing your elbow down toward your
hip. Hold the contraction for a second before
returning the handle to the starting position.
Repeat all reps on the left side and then perform
on the right side.
376
STANDING PULLDOWN
START
Stand at a pulldown station and place one foot
up on the seat or on the knee pad as you hold
on to the bar attachment with an overhand grip
and lean back slightly while keeping your back
arched and your chest up.
MOVE
Use your lats to pull the bar down to your chest
and hold this position as you squeeze your shoulder blades together and flex your lats. Then return
the bar to the start position and repeat for reps.
INVERTED ROW
START
Set the bar of a Smith machine or a power rack,
just below hip height. Hold on to the bar using a
shoulder-width, overhand grip and allow your body
to hang below the bar with your body straight and
your heels supported on the floor. This will look
like an upside-down push-up position.
MOVE
Perform inverted rows by pulling your chest to
the bar and then slowly lowering your body to the
start position. To add resistance, wear a weight
vest or place a weight plate on your chest.
377
TRX INVERTED ROW
START
Set the handles of the TRX just below hip height.
Hold on to the handles using a neutral grip
and allow your body to hang below the bar with
your body straight and heels supported on the
floor. This will look like an upside-down push-up
position.
MOVE
Perform inverted rows by using your lats to pull
your elbows down past your sides, lifting your
body up and then slowly lowering your body to the
start position. To add resistance, wear a weight
vest or place a weight plate on your chest.
BAND PULLDOWN
START
Attach a band to a high stable crossbar or the
top of the door attachment. Kneel down so that
there is adequate tension on the bands when
you hold the handles with your arms directly
overhead. Alternatively, you can hold the bands
directly without attaching handles to minimize
the length of the bands, as seen in the photo.
MOVE
Pull the handles down to the outsides of your
shoulders and hold this position for a second
while focusing on contracting the lats. Slowly
return the handles to the start position.
378
BAND STRAIGHT-ARM PULLDOWN
START
Attach a band to a high stable crossbar or the
top of the door attachment. If you need to,
kneel down so there is adequate tension on the
bands when you hold the handles with your arms
extended directly out in front of your chest.
MOVE
Keeping your arms straight, pull the handles
down past your hips and hold this position for
a second while focusing on contracting the lats.
Slowly return the handles to the start position.
LYING STRAIGHT-ARM PULLDOWN
START
Lie on your back either on the floor or on a bench
set lengthwise in a cable crossover apparatus
with the pulley stationed above your head. If
the pulley height is adjustable, lower it so that
it is just above arm’s reach. Grab a straight bar
attached to the pulley with an overhand grip and
your arms extended directly above you.
MOVE
Contract your lats as you keep your arms straight
with a slight bend in your elbows to pull the bar
down to your thighs. Hold this position for a
second as you contract your lats as hard as possible before returning the bar to the start position.
379
STRAIGHT-ARM PULLOVER
START
Lie on a flat bench with your feet flat on the
floor and your head close to the end of the
bench. Hold a straight bar or EZ curl bar
with an overhand grip spaced shoulder-width
apart and arms extended straight over your
chest. Maintain a slight bend in your elbows
throughout the entire exercise.
MOVE
Lower your arms back and down over your
head until they are just below parallel to
the floor. Pull the bar back up with straight
arms until the bar is back over your chest.
STRAIGHT-ARM DECLINE BENCH PULLOVER
START
Lie on a decline bench with your feet
secured under the foot pads and your
head close to the end of the bench. Hold
a straight bar or EZ curl bar with an overhand grip spaced shoulder-width apart
and arms extended straight up over your
abs. Maintain a slight bend in your elbows
throughout the entire exercise.
MOVE
Lower your arms back and down over your
head as far as possible, then pull the bar
back up with straight arms until the bar
is back over your abs.
380
STRAIGHT-ARM PULLDOWN
START
Stand behind the bench of a lat pulldown apparatus with your feet hip-width to shoulder-width
apart and knees slightly bent. Grab the lat bar
with an overhand grip and your arms shoulder-width apart. In this position your arms should
be extended straight out in front of you, forming
about a 45-degree angle to the floor.
MOVE
Pull your arms down to bring the bar to your upper
thighs while maintaining a slight bend in your
elbows. Squeeze your lats hard in this position
and slowly return the bar back to the starting
position.
ONE-ARM STRAIGHT-ARM PULLDOWN
START
Stand about a foot (30.5 to 61 centimeters) or
two away from a high-pulley cable so that your
right arm is lined up with the pulley. Your feet
should be hip-width to shoulder-width apart and
your knees slightly bent. Grab a single-handle
D-grip with an overhand grip. In this position your
arm should be extended straight out in front of
you, forming about a 45-degree angle to the floor.
MOVE
Pull your arm down to bring the handle to the
side of your thigh while maintaining a slight bend
in your elbow. Hold the contraction for a second
before slowly returning the handle back to the
starting position. Perform the desired number of
reps and repeat on the left side.
381
DUMBBELL STRAIGHT-ARM PULLBACK
START
Stand with your knees slightly bent and shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand
with an overhand grip. Bend over from the hips
until your back is just above parallel with the
floor. Place your right hand on your lower thigh
for support. Let the dumbbell hang straight down
below your shoulder.
MOVE
Maintaining a straight arm, pull your arm back
and up to your side until it is parallel with the
floor. Then slowly return your arm to the starting
position. Complete all reps with the left arm, then
repeat with the right arm.
STIFF-LEG DEADLIFT
START
Stand with feet hip-width to shoulder-width apart.
With hands in an overhand or staggered grip
and spaced shoulder-width apart, hold a loaded
barbell in front of your thighs.
MOVE
Bend over at the waist as you lower the bar
in front of your legs down toward your ankles.
Pause briefly before lifting your torso back up to
a standing position.
Note: This exercise is different from the Romanian deadlift, which uses more movement at
the hips than at the lower back and involves the
hamstrings and glutes as the primary movers.
382
BARBELL GOOD MORNING
START
Stand with a barbell resting across your traps in
a shoulder-width grip.
MOVE
Keeping your knees slightly bent, lean forward at
the hips until your torso is almost parallel to the
ground. Return to the starting position.
BACK EXTENSION
START
Lie facedown on a back extension bench with your
heels under the footpads and your hips resting
on the bench. Keep your body straight and your
hands crossed over your chest.
MOVE
Lower your torso by bending at the waist to form
an angle at your hips that approaches about 90
degrees. Use a smooth motion to rise back up
to the starting position.
383
LYING BACK EXTENSION
START
Lie facedown on the floor with your arms
extended in front of you.
MOVE
Raise your chest, shoulders, and arms off
the floor as high as possible and hold for
the desired amount of time.
SUPERMAN BACK EXTENSION
START
Lie facedown on the floor with your arms
extended in front of you.
MOVE
Simultaneously raise your chest, shoulders,
arms, and legs off the floor as high as possible and hold for the desired amount of time.
384
CHAPTER 17
Trapezius
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the trapezius (trap)
muscles, including the upper-, middle-, and lower-trapezius muscle fibers. See the diagram for a
detailed location of each of these areas of the trapezius muscle. The traps exercises are divided into
barbell and Smith machine shrugging exercises;
dumbbell shrugging exercises; cable, band, and
machine shrugging exercises; and lower-trapezius
exercises. Wherever a certain type of exercise is
used in a workout, any one of the same type can
be substituted.
Upper trapezius
Middle trapezius
Lower trapezius
E6002/Stoppani/fig 17.01/496225/alw/R1-pulled
385
386
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Barbell and Smith Machine Shrugging
Exercises
Barbell shrug
Behind-the-back barbell shrug
Barbell shrug with bands
Smith machine shrug
Smith machine behind-the-back shrug
Smith machine one-arm shrug
Barbell power shrug
386
387
387
388
388
389
389
Dumbbell Shrugging Exercises
Dumbbell shrug
Seated dumbbell shrug
One-arm dumbbell shrug
Prone incline bench dumbbell shrug
390
390
391
391
BARBELL SHRUG
START
Stand while holding a barbell with an overhand
grip in front of your thighs. Both your hands and
your feet should be shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Lift your shoulders up toward your ears as high as
possible while keeping your arms straight. Hold
the contraction for a second before lowering the
bar back to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with a staggered
grip (one hand using an overhand grip and the
other using an underhand grip).
Cable, Band, and Machine Shrugging
Exercises
Cable shrug
One-arm cable shrug
Prone incline cable shrug
Standing calf machine shrug
Band shrug
Lower-Trapezius Exercises
Straight-arm dip
Behind-the-back Smith machine
straight-arm dip
Straight-arm pressdown
Y-raise
One-arm cable Y-raise
Standing band Y-raise
392
392
393
393
394
394
395
395
396
396
397
BEHIND-THE-BACK BARBELL SHRUG
START
Stand while holding a barbell with an overhand
grip behind your thighs. Both your hands and your
feet should be shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Lift your shoulders up toward your ears as high as
possible while keeping your arms straight. Hold
the contraction for a second before lowering the
bar back to the starting position.
BARBELL SHRUG WITH BANDS
START
Attach the ends of an exercise band to the ends
of a loaded barbell. Stand on the middle of the
band with a wide stance to provide ample resistance from the bands. Grab the barbell with an
overhand, shoulder-width grip and lift the barbell
off the floor to get in a normal barbell shrug start
position.
MOVE
Use your traps to pull your shoulders up as high
as possible and lower your shoulders to the start
position.
387
SMITH MACHINE SHRUG
START
Stand in a Smith machine holding the unlatched
bar with an overhand grip in front of your thighs.
Both your hands and your feet should be shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Lift your shoulders up toward your ears as high as
possible while keeping your arms straight. Hold
the contraction for a second before lowering the
bar back to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with a staggered
grip (one hand using an overhand grip and the
other using an underhand grip).
SMITH MACHINE BEHIND-THE-BACK SHRUG
START
Stand in a Smith machine holding the unlatched
bar with an overhand grip in back of your thighs.
Both your hands and your feet should be shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Lift your shoulders up toward your ears as high as
possible while keeping your arms straight. Hold
the contraction for a second before lowering the
bar back to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with a staggered
grip (one hand using an overhand grip and the
other using an underhand grip).
388
SMITH MACHINE ONE-ARM SHRUG
START
Stand in a Smith machine with your right side
toward the bar. With your feet shoulder-width
apart and your knees slightly bent, grab the bar
in the middle with your right hand and unlatch it.
MOVE
Lift your shoulder up toward your ear as high as
possible while keeping your arm straight. Hold
the contraction for a second before lowering the
bar back to the starting position. Complete the
desired number of reps and repeat on the left
side.
BARBELL POWER SHRUG
START
Stand while holding a barbell with an overhand
grip in front of your thighs. Both your hands and
your feet should be shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Quickly bend down a little at the knees and
immediately reverse that motion, exploding up
with your thighs and calves while simultaneously
shrugging your shoulders up toward your ears
as high as possible while keeping your arms
straight. Immediately lower the weight back to
the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with a staggered
grip (one hand using an overhand grip and the
other using an underhand grip).
389
DUMBBELL SHRUG
START
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart while holding
a pair of dumbbells at your sides.
MOVE
Slowly shrug your shoulders up toward your ears.
At the top, pause for a moment and contract hard
through your traps before slowly lowering the
weights back to the starting position.
SEATED DUMBBELL SHRUG
START
Sit on a flat bench with your feet flat on the floor
in front of you. Hold a pair of dumbbells with a
neutral grip at your sides.
MOVE
Slowly shrug your shoulders up toward your ears.
At the top, pause for a moment and contract hard
through your traps and rhomboids before slowly
lowering the weights back to the starting position.
390
ONE-ARM DUMBBELL SHRUG
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold
a dumbbell in your left hand at your side.
MOVE
Slowly shrug your left shoulder up toward your ear.
At the top, pause for a moment and contract the
muscles hard before slowly lowering the weight
back to the starting position. After completing
all reps on the left side, repeat on the right side.
PRONE INCLINE BENCH DUMBBELL SHRUG
START
Grab a pair of dumbbells and straddle an adjustable-incline bench with your feet flat on the floor,
or position them on the bench frame to support
your body. Hold the dumbbells with a neutral grip
at your sides.
MOVE
Slowly shrug your shoulders up toward your ears.
At the top, pause for a moment and contract hard
through your traps and rhomboids before slowly
lowering the weights back to the starting position.
391
CABLE SHRUG
START
With feet shoulder-width apart, stand in front of
a low-pulley cable while holding a straight bar
attached to the low pulley.
MOVE
Slowly shrug your shoulders up toward your ears.
At the top, pause for a moment and contract hard
through your traps before slowly lowering the bar
back to the starting position.
ONE-ARM CABLE SHRUG
START
Stand with your right side toward a low-pulley
cable and maintain a shoulder-width stance while
holding a single-handle D-grip in your right hand.
MOVE
Shrug your right shoulder up toward your ear. At
the top, pause for a moment and contract the
muscles hard before slowly lowering the handle
back to the starting position.
392
PRONE INCLINE CABLE SHRUG
START
Place an incline bench next to a pulley
apparatus so that the higher end is
near the low pulley and to the right.
Set the angle at about 45 degrees or
higher. With your left hand, grasp the
single-handle D-grip attached to the
low pulley. Sit straddling the bench and
facing the weight stack. Lean against
the bench to support your chest while
extending your arm forward and down
with a neutral grip.
MOVE
Slowly shrug your left shoulder up and
back. At the top, pause for a moment
and contract the muscles hard before
slowly lowering the handle back to
the starting position. Complete the
desired number of reps and then
repeat with the right arm.
STANDING CALF MACHINE SHRUG
START
Stand in the standing calf machine
with the pads on your shoulders and
a slight bend in your knees. Allow
the weight of the stack to drop your
shoulders as low as possible to
stretch the traps.
MOVE
Use your traps to shrug your shoulders up as high as possible. Hold this
position for a second and then slowly
lower your shoulders and repeat for
reps.
393
BAND SHRUG
START
Stand on top of an exercise band with both
feet using a shoulder-width stance or wider
to provide adequate resistance from the
bands. Hold the handles of the band with a
neutral grip with your arms extended down
at the sides of your thighs.
MOVE
Contract your traps to shrug your shoulders up as high as possible. Hold the top
position for a second as you contract your
traps. Slowly lower your shoulders and
repeat for reps
STRAIGHT-ARM DIP
START
Support your body on the dip bars with
your arms straight and almost locked out.
MOVE
Without bending your elbows, allow your
body to sink as low as you can and then
use your lower traps to pull your scapulae
down, which will raise your body up. Try to
raise your body as high as possible and
then lower it and repeat.
394
BEHIND-THE-BACK SMITH MACHINE STRAIGHT-ARM DIP
START
Set the bar of the Smith machine at a
height so that when you sit back on the
bar with your feet on the floor and place
your hands on the bar your arms are
straight and your shoulders are as high
as possible.
MOVE
Keep your arms straight, contract your
lower traps to depress your scapulae,
and lift your body as high as possible,
leaning the back of your legs against the
bar for balance. Hold the top position for
a second as you focus on contracting your
lower traps and then lower your feet to the
floor and repeat for reps. To increase the
resistance, wear a weight vest or chain belt
with weight plates attached.
STRAIGHT-ARM PRESSDOWN
START
Attach a wide straight bar to a cable pulley
and set the bar just below waist height.
Stand with the bar behind your back and
place your hands on the bar with an overhand, shoulder-width grip. Extend your
arms so that your elbows are locked out.
Without bending your elbows, allow the
weight from the pulley station to raise your
shoulders as high as possible. This is the
start position.
MOVE
Use your lower traps to pull your shoulder
blades down and together to lower your
shoulders as much as possible. Hold this
position for a second, focusing on contracting your lower traps as hard as possible
before relaxing them and allowing your
shoulders to rise to the start position.
395
Y-RAISE
START
Lie facedown on a flat bench with your chin past
the end of the bench. Hold two light dumbbells
or weight plates with a neutral grip down toward
the floor.
MOVE
Lift both dumbbells up as high as you can while
forming a letter Y with your arms and torso. Hold
this position for two seconds before returning the
dumbbells to the starting position.
ONE-ARM CABLE Y-RAISE
START
Attach a rope handle to a low cable pulley. Stand
facing the cable pulley as you hold the rope
handle with a hammer grip and your arm extended
straight out in front of you. Alternatively, you can
just hold onto the end of the cable without an
attachment, as shown in the photo.
MOVE
Keeping your arm straight, but allowing a slight
bend in your elbow, raise the handle above your
head. Your arm should make about a 30-degree
angle with your head in the top position. Hold the
top position for a second and then slowly return
the handle to the start position. Perform all reps
on one side and then repeat with the other arm.
396
STANDING BAND Y-RAISE
START
Wrap a band around a stable structure so that
both ends of the band are at about shoulder
height. Hold the handles with a neutral grip
(palms facing each other). Alternatively, you can
hold the ends of the bands without attachments,
as shown in the photo.
MOVE
While keeping your arms straight at the elbows,
extend your arms straight up as high as possible
so that they form about a 30-degree angle with
your head. Slowly return your arms to the start
position and repeat for reps.
397
CHAPTER 18
Triceps
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the triceps muscles,
including the lateral head, long head, and medial
head. See the diagram for the location of each of
theses triceps heads. The triceps exercises are
divided into pressing, dip, and push-up exercises;
pressdown and kickback exercises; lying and
machine triceps extension exercises; and overhead triceps extension exercises. Wherever a
certain type of exercise is used in a workout, any
one of the same type can be substituted.
Triceps brachii
(lateral head)
Triceps
brachii
(long head)
Triceps
brachii
(medial head)
E6002/Stoppani/fig 18.01/496278/alw/R1-pulled
398
Triceps
Pressing, Dip, and Push-Up Exercises
Close-grip bench press
Reverse-grip close-grip bench press
Close-grip dumbbell press
Triceps dip
Bench dip
Machine dip
Close-grip push-up
Close-grip push-up ladder
399
400
400
401
401
402
402
403
Pressdown and Kickback Exercises
Triceps pressdown
One-arm cable pressdown
Reverse-grip cable pressdown
One-arm reverse-grip cable pressdown
Cross-body cable triceps pressdown
Band triceps pressdown
Dumbbell kickback
Cable kickback
Band triceps kickback
403
404
404
405
405
406
406
407
407
CLOSE-GRIP BENCH PRESS
START
Lie faceup on a bench-press bench with your feet
flat on the floor. With your hands shoulder-width
apart, grasp the barbell with an overhand grip.
Note: Using anything closer than a shoulder-width grip does not increase triceps’ involvement but may increase stress on the wrists.
MOVE
Unrack the bar and slowly lower it to your lower
chest, keeping your elbows as close to your sides
as possible. At the bottom of the movement, your
elbows should be a little lower than your shoulders. Press the bar back up to the start position.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ bar.
399
Lying and Machine Triceps Extension Exercises
Lying triceps extension
408
Decline triceps extension
408
Dumbbell lying triceps extension
409
One-arm dumbbell lying triceps extension 409
Cable lying triceps extension
410
Machine triceps extension
410
Overhead Triceps Extension Exercises
Overhead barbell triceps extension
Overhead dumbbell triceps extension
One-arm overhead dumbbell triceps
extension
Incline overhead triceps extension
Overhead cable triceps extension
Overhead cable triceps extension
(from low pulley)
Band overhead triceps extension
TRX triceps extension
411
411
412
412
413
413
414
414
REVERSE-GRIP CLOSE-GRIP BENCH PRESS
START
Lie faceup on a bench-press bench with your feet
flat on the floor. With your hands shoulder-width
apart, grasp the barbell with an underhand grip.
MOVE
Have a spotter help you unrack the bar and slowly
lower it to your lower chest, keeping your elbows
as close to your sides as possible. At the bottom
of the movement, your elbows should be a little
lower than your shoulders. Press the bar back
up to the starting position.
CLOSE-GRIP DUMBBELL PRESS
START
Lie back on a flat bench, holding two dumbbells
at your chest with a neutral grip.
MOVE
Press the dumbbells straight overhead until your
arms are fully extended. Flex your triceps hard at
the top for a second before bringing the weights
back down toward your chest.
400
TRICEPS DIP
START
Grasp the dip bars with your arms extended and
locked. Keep your body as vertical as possible
to keep emphasis on the triceps and away from
the chest. If the dip bars are high enough, keep
your legs straight below you.
MOVE
Keep your elbows as close to your sides as possible as you bend them to lower your body down
until your upper arms are about parallel to the
floor. Press your hands forcefully into the bars to
extend your arms and raise your body back up.
BENCH DIP
START
Place your hands on the side of a flat bench so
that your body is perpendicular to the bench when
you place your feet out in front of you. Only your
heels should be on the floor and your legs should
be straight. Or keep your knees and hips bent
to support a weight plate on your thighs to add
resistance. Your arms should be fully extended
with just your palms on the bench.
MOVE
Bend your elbows to lower your body down until
your elbows reach 90 degrees. Extend your arms
to lift your body back to the starting position,
flexing your triceps hard at the top.
Note: You can also do this exercise with your
heels up on a bench that is parallel to the other
bench. Have a partner load weight plates on your
lap to make it even more difficult.
401
MACHINE DIP
START
Sit on the seat of a machine dip with your feet flat
on the floor and your back pressed firmly against
the pad. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip.
MOVE
With your arms close to your sides throughout
(elbows pointed straight back behind you), press
the handles down to full arm extension. Flex your
triceps hard for a second and then slowly bring
the handles back up until your elbows form a
90-degree angle.
CLOSE-GRIP PUSH-UP
START
Lie facedown on the floor in a push-up position,
placing your hands a few inches apart. Raise
your body by extending your arms and coming
up on your toes.
MOVE
With your forehead facing the floor and your abs
pulled in, lower your body by bending your elbows.
Stop the motion when your upper arms are about
parallel to the floor, and reverse the movement
to the starting position.
402
CLOSE-GRIP PUSH-UP LADDER
START
Get in the close-grip push-up position, as
described earlier, next to a Smith machine.
MOVE
After reaching muscle failure, perform close-grip
push-up ladders on the Smith machine bar as
described for push-up ladders in chapter 14.
TRICEPS PRESSDOWN
START
With a slight bend in your knees, stand facing a
high-pulley cable with a pressdown bar attached
to it. Your feet should be about shoulder-width
apart. Grasp the pressdown bar with an overhand
grip and hold the bar at chest level with your
elbows tight against your sides.
MOVE
Keeping your elbows stationary, straighten your
arms until they are fully extended. Pause at full
arm extension and flex your triceps, then slowly
return the bar to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with a rope,
short straight bar, or EZ bar attachment.
403
ONE-ARM CABLE PRESSDOWN
START
Stand facing a high-pulley cable with a single-handle D-grip attached to it. Your feet should
be about shoulder-width apart and your knees
should be slightly bent. Using an overhand grip,
grasp the handle with your left hand and hold it at
chest level with your elbow tight against your side.
MOVE
Keeping your elbow stationary, straighten your
left arm until it is fully extended. Pause at full
arm extension and flex your triceps, then slowly
return the handle to the starting position. Complete as many reps as desired and then repeat
with the right arm.
REVERSE-GRIP CABLE PRESSDOWN
START
With a slight bend in your knees, stand facing
a high-pulley cable with a short straight bar
attached to it. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart. With an underhand grip, grasp
the pressdown bar and hold the bar at chest level
with your elbows tight against your sides.
MOVE
Keeping your elbows stationary, straighten your
arms until they are fully extended. Pause at full
arm extension and flex your triceps, then slowly
return the bar to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ bar
attachment.
404
ONE-ARM REVERSE-GRIP CABLE PRESSDOWN
START
Stand facing a high-pulley cable with a single-handle D-grip attached to it. Your feet should be
about hip-width to shoulder-width apart and your
knees should be slightly bent. Using an underhand grip, grasp the handle with your left hand
and hold it at chest level with your elbow tight
against your side.
MOVE
Keeping your elbow stationary, straighten your
left arm until it is fully extended. Pause at full
arm extension and flex your triceps, then slowly
return the handle to the starting position. Complete as many reps as desired, then repeat with
the right arm.
CROSS-BODY CABLE TRICEPS PRESSDOWN
START
Stand in the middle of a cable crossover apparatus holding in one hand a rope handle attached
to the high pulley or to a pulley set slightly higher
than shoulder height. Start with your upper arm
extended to your side and almost parallel to the
floor and your elbow bent so that your hand is in
front of your chest.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arm stationary, extend your
arm at the elbow until it is fully extended out to
your side. Contract the triceps in this final position before returning your hand to the start. The
upper-arm position this exercise requires takes
the shoulder and chest completely out of the
picture and forces you to use just your triceps
for better isolation of the lateral head.
405
BAND TRICEPS PRESSDOWN
START
Attach a band to a high crossbar or the door
attachment set at the top of the door. Stand back
far enough to allow enough resistance from the
bands with your upper arms parallel with your
torso and pressed at your sides and your elbows
bent at 90 degrees while holding the handles with
an overhand grip. Alternatively, you can grab onto
the bands directly without handles attached using
a neutral grip. If there is not enough tension on
the bands, do these in a kneeling position.
MOVE
Contract your triceps to extend your arms at the
elbow. Bring the handles down to the sides of
your legs. Hold this position for a second while
forcefully contracting your triceps. Then slowly
return the handles to the start position.
DUMBBELL KICKBACK
START
Place your right knee and palm on a flat bench
so that your torso is parallel with the floor. While
holding a dumbbell in the left hand and keeping
the left foot flat on the floor, press your left arm
tight against your side with the upper arm parallel
to the floor.
MOVE
Extend at the elbow until your arm is straight
back and fully extended. Flex the triceps hard for
a second, then reverse to the starting position.
Complete all reps on the left arm and then repeat
on the right.
406
CABLE KICKBACK
START
Face the weight stack and bend from the waist
so that your torso is about parallel to the floor.
With an underhand grip, grasp a single-handle
D-grip attached to a low pulley. Alternatively, you
can grab onto the cable directly without a handle
attached using a neutral grip. Raise your elbow
so that your upper arm is parallel to the floor
and your elbow is bent 90 degrees and tucked
at your side. Brace your right arm on your thigh
or on the pulley cable apparatus.
MOVE
Extend your arm back and up until your arm is
fully extended. Flex the triceps hard for a second,
then reverse to the starting position. Complete
as many reps as desired, then repeat with the
right arm.
BAND TRICEPS KICKBACK
START
Stand in a staggered stance (one foot forward
and one back). Stand on the middle of a band
with the back foot. Grab the ends of the band
with your left hand using a neutral grip. Bend
forward from the hips and keep your upper arm
parallel with your torso and pressed to your side.
Allow your forearm to hang straight down at a
90-degree angle to your upper arm.
MOVE
Use your triceps to extend your forearm back
until your arm is completely straight with your
elbow locked out. Contract your triceps as hard
as possible in this position, then return the band
to the start position. Complete all reps with your
left arm and then repeat with your right arm.
407
LYING TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Lie faceup on a flat bench with your feet flat
on the floor or up on the bench frame for those
with shorter legs. Hold a barbell at full arm
extension over your chest.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arms stationary, lower
your lower arms to bring the bar down to your
forehead, then push it back up.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ
bar.
DECLINE TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Lie faceup on an adjustable-decline bench with
your feet secured under the foot pads. Take
a shoulder-width, overhand grip on a barbell
and lift it into position over your chest, keeping
your arms straight.
MOVE
Bend your elbows and lower the weight to your
forehead, then extend your arms to return the
bar to the starting position.
408
DUMBBELL LYING TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Lie faceup on a flat bench with your feet flat
on the floor. With a neutral grip, hold a pair
of dumbbells at full arm extension over your
chest.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arms stationary, lower your
lower arms to bring the dumbbells to the sides
of your head, then push them back up.
Note: You can do this exercise on a decline
bench.
ONE-ARM DUMBBELL LYING TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Lie on a flat bench and hold a dumbbell in your
left hand with an overhand grip. Extend your
arm so that the dumbbell is straight up from
your left shoulder.
MOVE
Without letting your upper arm move, bend at
the elbow to bring the dumbbell down to the
side of your head across your body toward
the right shoulder. Either way, stop when your
elbow reaches 90 degrees and reverse the
motion to bring the dumbbell back up to full
arm extension. Complete as many reps as
desired, then repeat with the right arm.
409
CABLE LYING TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Lie faceup on the floor or on a bench lengthwise
in the middle of a cable crossover apparatus.
Your head is closest to the low-pulley cable.
With an overhand grip, grab a straight bar handle
attached to the low pulley and extend your arms
straight over your head.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arms perpendicular to your
torso, lower the bar to the top of your head.
Extend your arms to lift the bar back up to full
extension.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ bar
attachment.
MACHINE TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Sit in the seat of a triceps extension machine
and place your upper arms on the arm pads while
grasping the handles with your hands.
MOVE
Use your triceps to extend your arms at just the
elbows while keeping your upper arms in the
arm pads. Once your arms have reached full
extension, slowly return the handles to the start
position.
410
OVERHEAD BARBELL TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Sit on a low-back bench and extend a barbell
overhead, holding it with a shoulder-width grip.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arms right beside your head,
lower the bar behind your head until your elbows
form 90-degree angles, then lift it back to full
arm extension.
OVERHEAD DUMBBELL TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Sit on a low-back bench and hoist a dumbbell
overhead, holding it with both hands, palms
cupped against the upper inside plates.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arms right beside your head,
lower the dumbbell behind your head until your
elbows form 90-degree angles, then lift it back
to full arm extension.
411
ONE-ARM OVERHEAD DUMBBELL TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Sit on a low-back bench and lift a dumbbell overhead with your right hand. Hold it straight overhead with an overhand grip (palm facing forward).
MOVE
Keeping your upper arm right beside your head,
lower the dumbbell behind your head and
toward your left shoulder until your elbow forms
a 90-degree angle, then lift it back to full arm
extension.
INCLINE OVERHEAD TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Recline on an incline bench set to 45 degrees
and raise a barbell overhead with an overhand
grip.
MOVE
Bend your elbows to begin slowly lowering the
bar until it is behind your head. Push the weights
back up to full arm extension.
Note: You can do this exercise with a barbell,
one dumbbell, or a pair of dumbbells.
412
OVERHEAD CABLE TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Stand with your back to a high pulley with a rope
attached to it. With a neutral grip, grasp the
rope just behind your head and stand with your
torso leaning forward. Keep your elbows beside
your ears and bring your forearms back to form
a 90-degree angle.
MOVE
Keep your upper arms stationary as you move
only from the elbows to press the weight to full
arm extension.
Note: You can do this exercise with a short
straight bar or EZ bar attachment.
OVERHEAD CABLE TRICEPS EXTENSION (FROM LOW PULLEY)
START
Stand with your back to a cable pulley set below
shoulder height with a rope attached to it. With
a neutral grip, grasp the rope just behind your
head and stand with your torso as upright as
possible. Keep your elbows beside your ears with
your upper arms as upright as possible.
MOVE
Keep your upper arms stationary as you move
only from the elbows to extend the weight to full
arm extension overhead.
413
BAND OVERHEAD TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Stand in a staggered stance (one foot in front
and one in back). Stand on an exercise band
with the back foot and hold the handles with
an overhand grip. Bring your upper arms up so
that your elbows are at the sides of your head
and elbows are bent with your forearms flexed
behind your head.
MOVE
Extend your arms just at the elbows, keeping
your upper arms stationary to bring your arms
straight overhead. Contract your triceps in this
top position and then slowly return the handles
to the start position.
TRX TRICEPS EXTENSION
START
Hold the TRX handles with an overhand grip. Lean
forward and bend your arms at the elbows so
that your arms are bent less than 90 degrees.
Only your toes should be touching the floor. The
TRX length should be adjusted so that your body
is leaning forward enough to provide enough
resistance to limit you to the rep range you are
shooting for.
MOVE
Extend your arms at the elbows to straighten
your arms, lifting your body weight up. Hold this
position with your arms fully extended, and contract your triceps as hard as possible. Resist
your body weight as you return your arms to the
start position. Continue performing reps in this
manner.
414
CHAPTER 19
Biceps
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the biceps muscles, including the biceps brachii and brachialis.
The biceps muscles include the long head and
short head, which can be seen in the diagram.
The brachialis is located beneath the biceps.
The biceps exercises are divided into standing
curl exercises; seated curl exercises; cable curl
exercises; preacher and concentration curl exercises; body-weight curl exercises; and hammer
and reverse-grip curl exercises. Wherever a certain
type of exercise is used in a workout, any one of
the same type can be substituted.
Biceps brachii
(long head)
Biceps brachii
(short head)
Brachialis (beneath biceps)
E6002/Stoppani/fig 19.01/496240/alw/R1-pulled
415
416
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Standing Curl Exercises
Barbell curl
Barbell curl with bands
Standing dumbbell curl
Standing alternating dumbbell curl
Smith machine drag curl
Smith machine curl throw
Band curl
417
417
418
418
419
419
420
Seated Curl Exercises
Seated dumbbell curl
Seated alternating dumbbell curl
Incline dumbbell curl
Incline alternating dumbbell curl
Prone incline dumbbell curl
Seated barbell curl
420
421
421
422
422
423
Cable Curl Exercises
Standing cable curl
Lying cable curl
One-arm cable curl
Incline cable curl
One-arm high-cable curl
Seated one-arm cable concentration
curl
Lying cable concentration curl
Behind-the-back cable curl
Standing cable concentration curl
Overhead cable curl
423
424
424
425
425
426
426
427
427
428
Preacher and Concentration Curl Exercises
Barbell preacher curl
428
One-arm dumbbell preacher curl
429
Scott curl
429
Dumbbell concentration curl
430
Body-Weight Curl Exercises
Biceps ladder
TRX body-weight curl
430
431
Hammer and Reverse-Grip Curl Exercises
Dumbbell hammer curl
Alternating dumbbell hammer curl
Seated dumbbell hammer curl
Rope cable hammer curl
Reverse-grip barbell curl
Reverse-grip cable curl
431
432
432
433
433
434
BARBELL CURL
START
With your knees slightly bent and your feet about
shoulder-width apart, grasp a barbell with a
shoulder-width, underhand grip. Let the bar hang
to your thighs. Keep your abs pulled in and your
elbows stationary.
MOVE
Without swaying, slowly curl the bar in an arc
toward your shoulders. Pause at the top of the
movement, squeeze your biceps, and slowly lower
the bar to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ bar.
BARBELL CURL WITH BANDS
START
Attach both ends of a band to the ends of a barbell or EZ bar. Stand on the middle of the band
and pick up the bar using an underhand grip.
MOVE
Perform curls as you normally would, focusing
on the extra tension in the top position that the
bands provide by concentrating on the biceps
contractions. Slowly lower the bar to the start
position.
417
STANDING DUMBBELL CURL
START
Stand with your knees slightly bent and your feet
about hip-width apart. Grasp a pair of dumbbells
with an underhand grip. Let the dumbbells hang
at the sides of your thighs.
MOVE
Without swaying, slowly curl the dumbbells in an
arc toward your shoulders. Pause at the top of
the movement, squeeze your biceps, and slowly
lower the weights to the starting position.
STANDING ALTERNATING DUMBBELL CURL
START
Stand with your knees slightly bent and your feet
about hip-width apart. Grasp a pair of dumbbells
with a neutral grip. Let the dumbbells hang at the
sides of your thighs.
MOVE
Slowly curl the left arm in an arc toward your
shoulder. As the dumbbell passes your hip,
start to supinate your wrist (turn it out) until your
palm is facing your shoulder at the top position.
Pause at the top of the movement, squeeze your
biceps, and slowly lower the weight in the reverse
manner. Repeat the movement with the right arm.
One curl with both arms equals one rep.
418
SMITH MACHINE DRAG CURL
START
Unlock the bar on the Smith machine and hold it
in front of your thighs with an underhand grip, as
you would holding a free-weight barbell.
MOVE
Slowly curl the bar upward, allowing your elbows
to track behind your body as the barbell goes up.
Stop at about chest height and slowly lower the
bar to the start position. This exercise helps to
minimize the involvement of the front delts, which
come into play when the elbows move forward
during curls. And with the biceps moving behind
the body, this exercise further targets the long
head of the biceps.
SMITH MACHINE CURL THROW
START
Unlock the bar on the Smith machine and hold it
in front of your thighs with an underhand grip, as
you would holding a free-weight barbell.
MOVE
As quickly and as explosively as possible, curl
the bar upward, allowing it to leave your hands in
the top position. Catch the bar with an underhand
grip as it comes down, assisting it back into the
start position. Reset your grip if you need to and
repeat.
419
BAND CURL
START
Stand on the middle of an exercise band with a
wide-enough stance to provide adequate resistance on the bands. Hold the handles with an
underhand grip.
MOVE
Curl the handles up toward your shoulders and
contract your biceps as hard as you can. Slowly
lower the handles to the start position.
SEATED DUMBBELL CURL
START
Sit at the end of a flat bench or on a low-back
bench with your feet planted firmly on the floor.
Hold a pair of dumbbells with an underhand grip
and let them hang at the sides of the bench.
MOVE
Curl the dumbbells up in an arc toward your
shoulders. Pause at the top of the movement,
squeeze your biceps, and slowly lower the weights
to the starting position.
420
SEATED ALTERNATING DUMBBELL CURL
START
Sit at the end of a flat bench or on a low-back
bench with your feet planted firmly on the floor.
Hold a pair of dumbbells with a neutral grip and
let them hang at the sides of the bench.
MOVE
Slowly curl the right arm in an arc toward your
shoulder. As the dumbbell passes your hip, start
to supinate your wrist (turn it out) until your
palm is facing your shoulder at the top position.
Pause at the top of the movement, squeeze your
biceps, and slowly lower the weight in the reverse
manner. Repeat the movement with the left arm.
One curl with both arms equals one rep.
INCLINE DUMBBELL CURL
START
Grasp a pair of dumbbells and lie back on an
incline bench set at about 45 to 60 degrees,
allowing your arms to hang straight down toward
the floor by your sides. Use an underhand grip,
with your palms facing forward.
MOVE
Keeping your shoulders back and upper arms in
a fixed position perpendicular to the floor, lock
your elbows at your sides and curl both dumbbells toward your shoulders. Slowly return the
dumbbell to the starting position.
421
INCLINE ALTERNATING DUMBBELL CURL
START
Grasp a pair of dumbbells and lie back on an
incline bench set at about 45 to 60 degrees,
allowing your arms to hang straight down toward
the floor by your sides. Use a neutral grip, with
your palms facing in.
MOVE
Keeping your shoulders back and upper arms in
a fixed position perpendicular to the floor, lock
your elbows at your sides and curl one arm toward
your shoulder. As you curl, supinate your wrist so
that your palm faces your shoulder at the top of
the movement. Slowly return the dumbbell to the
starting position along the same path and repeat
with the other arm.
PRONE INCLINE DUMBBELL CURL
START
Lie facedown on an incline bench with a dumbbell
in each hand. Let your arms hang straight down
perpendicular to the floor. Your chest should be
right at the top of the bench. Keep your head up
and chest high to ensure easy breathing.
MOVE
Curl your right arm up and toward your left
shoulder. Contract your biceps as hard as possible then slowly lower the dumbbell to the start
position. Perform with the left arm and alternate
arms in this manner.
422
SEATED BARBELL CURL
START
Sit on a short-back bench or an adjustable bench
set to 90 degrees and rest the bar on your thighs.
Hold the bar with an underhand grip with your
hands spaced shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Curl the weight toward your shoulders. Contract
your biceps as hard as possible in the top position for a second then slowly lower the weight
and repeat.
STANDING CABLE CURL
START
Stand in front of a low-pulley cable with your
knees slightly bent and your feet about hip-width
apart. With an underhand, shoulder-width grip,
grab a straight bar attached to the low pulley.
Hold the bar in front of your thighs and step back
from the pulley enough to keep the weight plates
from touching the bottom plate.
MOVE
Curl the bar up in an arc toward your shoulders.
Pause at the top of the movement, squeeze your
biceps, and slowly lower the bar to the starting
position.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ bar
attachment.
423
LYING CABLE CURL
START
Lie on the floor or on a bench in front of a
low-pulley cable with the pulley in the middle
of your feet. With an underhand, shoulder-width
grip, grasp a straight bar attached to the low
pulley and lean back until your back is flat
against the floor.
MOVE
Curl the bar in an arc toward your shoulders.
Pause at the top of the movement, squeeze
your biceps, and slowly lower the bar to the
starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ
bar attachment.
ONE-ARM CABLE CURL
START
With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand in
front of a low-pulley cable apparatus. Using
an underhand grip with your left hand, hold a
single-handle D-grip attached to a low-pulley
handle.
MOVE
Curl the handle up in an arc across your
body toward your opposite shoulder. Hold the
contraction at the top for a second before
returning to the starting position. Complete
the desired number of reps and repeat on the
right side.
424
INCLINE CABLE CURL
START
Place an incline bench set at 45 to 60 degrees
in the middle of a cable crossover apparatus.
Grab the single-handle D-grips attached to the
low pulleys and sit on the incline bench holding
your arms down and out to your sides in line with
the cables.
MOVE
Curl both arms toward your shoulders. Slowly
return the handles to the starting position.
ONE-ARM HIGH-CABLE CURL
START
With an underhand grip, grasp the single-handle
D-grip attached to the upper pulley. Your working
arm should be extended out to your side and parallel with the floor or slightly higher. Hold on to the
opposite side of the cable crossover apparatus.
MOVE
Curl the handle in toward your shoulder while
keeping your upper arm stationary. Hold for a
second in the flexed position while squeezing
your biceps hard. This will look like a bodybuilder
doing a biceps pose. Slowly return the handle to
the starting position. You can also do this exercise two arms at a time.
425
SEATED ONE-ARM CABLE CONCENTRATION CURL
START
Sit on the floor about two feet (61 centimeters)
in front of a low-pulley cable with a single-handle D-grip attached to the pulley. Using an
underhand grip, grasp the handle with your
right hand and brace your arm against the
inside of your right thigh.
MOVE
Curl the handle up toward your shoulder while
keeping your upper arm stationary against your
leg. Hold for a second in the flexed position
while squeezing your biceps hard. Slowly return
the handle to the starting position. Complete
all reps with the right arm then repeat with
the left arm.
LYING CABLE CONCENTRATION CURL
START
Lie faceup on a flat bench set lengthwise in
the middle of a cable crossover apparatus
with your head closest to the pulley. With an
underhand grip, grab a straight-bar handle
attached to the high pulley and extend your
arms straight over your chest.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arms perpendicular to your
torso, curl the bar toward your forehead. Hold
the contraction for a second, then slowly return
the bar to the starting position.
426
BEHIND-THE-BACK CABLE CURL
START
Attach a D-handle to a low cable and stand with
your back to the pulley in a staggered stance (left
foot forward and right foot back slightly to the left
of the pulley). Hold the handle with an underhand
grip in your right hand and keep your right arm
straight and extended behind your body.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arm stationary, curl the
handle by flexing your elbow until your hand is
close to your shoulder. Contract your biceps as
hard as possible and then return the handle to
the start position. Perform all reps on the right
arm and then repeat with the left arm.
STANDING CABLE CONCENTRATION CURL
START
Attach a D-handle to a cable pulley on the cable
station and adjust the cable pulley to about shoulder height. If your cable station does not adjust,
do this from the top pulley in the same manner
as described in this exercise’s Move section.
Hold the handle with a hammer grip with your
arm extended out in front of you.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arm stationary, flex your arm
at just the elbow to bring the handle toward your
chest. Contract your biceps as hard as possible
in this position and then slowly return the handle
to the start position. Complete all reps on one
arm before repeating on the other arm.
427
OVERHEAD CABLE CURL
START
Attach a straight or EZ bar attachment to the
pulley of a lat pulldown station. Reach overhead
and grab the bar with an underhand, shoulder-width grip. Your arms and shoulders should
all be in a straight line overhead. Sit down on the
lat pulldown seat with your legs secured under
the support pads.
MOVE
Keeping your upper arms stationary, slowly curl
the bar down behind your head. Focus on curling
using the biceps and reaching a controlled contraction just behind the top of your head. You can
also do this exercise kneeling in a cable crossover station. It is the same motion described
earlier, but from a kneeling position on the floor
using the high pulley on a cable crossover station.
BARBELL PREACHER CURL
START
Set the seat height of the preacher curl bench
so that when you sit down, the armrest is slightly
below shoulder level. Place your upper arms over
the armrest and grab a barbell with an underhand
grip.
MOVE
With the backs of your upper arms pressed firmly
against the pad, curl the bar up toward your
shoulders until your elbows are just a bit beyond
90 degrees. Forcefully flex the biceps at the top
of the movement, then slowly lower the weight.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ bar.
428
ONE-ARM DUMBBELL PREACHER CURL
START
Set the seat height of the preacher curl bench so
that when you sit down or stand up in a standing
preacher bench (as shown in photo), the armrest
is slightly below shoulder level. Grasp a dumbbell in your left hand and place the back of your
upper arm flush against the angled side of the
preacher bench pad. Brace yourself with the right
arm for stability.
MOVE
Curl the dumbbell up toward your shoulder until
your elbow is just a bit beyond 90 degrees.
Forcefully flex the biceps at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the weight to the starting
position. Complete the desired number of reps
and then repeat on the right side.
SCOTT CURL
START
Flip the pad on a preacher bench so that your
chest and abs rest on the inclined side and
your arms lie along the flat, vertical side. Lean
into the pad so that your body weight is partially
supported. Take an underhand, shoulder-width
grip on a barbell or EZ bar and allow your arms
to hang straight down from your shoulders along
the flat side of the armrest.
MOVE
Slowly curl the bar up toward your shoulders,
keeping your upper arms pressed into the pad
and your upper body steady. Hold the contraction
at the top for a second and flex the biceps as
hard as possible. Slowly return the weight to the
starting position.
429
DUMBBELL CONCENTRATION CURL
START
Stand with a shoulder-width stance and bend
forward from the hips. Bend over and let your arm
hang straight down while holding a dumbbell with
an underhand grip in your left hand.
MOVE
Contract your biceps to curl the dumbbell up
toward your chest, then lower it under control all
the way down to the starting position. Complete
the desired number of reps and then repeat on
the right side.
BICEPS LADDER
START
The easiest place to do this exercise is on a
Smith machine, but you can also do it in a power
rack. Set the bar in the Smith machine at a
height that allows you to hang from the bar as
when during an inverted row so that your back
just clears the floor with only your heels making
contact with the floor. Use an underhand and
shoulder-width grip on the bar.
MOVE
Curl your body up toward the bar, bringing your
face to the bar. Slowly lower your body to the start
position. Do as many reps as you can until you
reach muscle failure, then immediately raise the
bar up one notch and continue doing body-weight
curls. Each time you reach muscle failure, raise
the bar up one notch until you have reached the
very top notch. Each time you raise the bar up, it
reduces the resistance that your body provides,
making it easier to continue the set. In essence,
this is one long, extended set. The novel movement of this exercise will stimulate muscle fibers
that you likely have been ignoring. This exercise
also places a high load on the negative part of
the rep (especially on the lower rungs) on the
biceps, which induces a lot of muscle damage
for stimulating new muscle growth.
430
TRX BODY-WEIGHT CURL
START
Set the handles of the TRX at a height that
decreases your body weight enough to allow for
this tough exercise. Hold the handles with an
underhand grip and start with just your heels
touching the floor while your extended arms
support your body weight.
MOVE
Trying to keep your arms as stationary as possible, curl your forearms toward your head to lift
your body up to the handles. Slowly lower your
body until your arms are fully extended again in
the start position.
DUMBBELL HAMMER CURL
START
With your knees slightly bent and your feet about
hip-width apart, grasp a pair of dumbbells with a
neutral grip. Let the dumbbells hang at the sides
of your thighs.
MOVE
Slowly curl the dumbbells up in an arc toward
your shoulders while maintaining the neutral grip.
Pause at the top of the movement, and slowly
lower the weights back to the starting position.
431
ALTERNATING DUMBBELL HAMMER CURL
START
With your knees slightly bent and your feet about
hip-width apart, grasp a pair of dumbbells with a
neutral grip. Let the dumbbells hang at the sides
of your thighs.
MOVE
Slowly curl the left arm in an arc toward your
shoulder while maintaining the neutral grip.
Pause at the top of the movement and then slowly
lower the weight in the reverse manner. Repeat
the movement with the right arm. One curl with
both arms equals one rep.
SEATED DUMBBELL HAMMER CURL
START
Sit at the end of a flat bench or on a low-back
bench with your feet planted firmly on the floor.
Hold a pair of dumbbells with a neutral grip and
let them hang at the sides of the bench.
MOVE
Slowly curl the dumbbells in an arc toward your
shoulders while maintaining the neutral grip.
Pause at the top of the movement and slowly
lower the weight in the reverse manner.
Note: You can do this exercise as a seated
alternating dumbbell curl.
432
ROPE CABLE HAMMER CURL
START
With a neutral grip, grasp a rope handle attached
to the low pulley of a cable apparatus. Knees are
slightly bent and feet are shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Curl your arms up, keeping them stationary at
your sides as you do so. Bring your hands all the
way up to your shoulders (as close as you can
without shifting your elbows too far forward) and
pause for a second at the top. Lower the rope to
the starting position.
REVERSE-GRIP BARBELL CURL
START
With your knees slightly bent and your feet about
shoulder-width apart, grasp a barbell with a
shoulder-width, overhand grip. Let the bar hang
to your thighs. Keep your abs pulled in and your
elbows stationary.
MOVE
Without swaying, slowly curl the bar in an arc
toward your shoulders. Pause at the top of the
movement and slowly lower the bar to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ bar.
433
REVERSE-GRIP CABLE CURL
START
Stand in front of a low-pulley cable with your
knees slightly bent and your feet about shoulder-width apart. With an overhand shoulder-width
grip, grab a straight bar attached to the low pulley.
Hold the bar in front of your thighs and step back
from the pulley to keep the weight plates from
touching the bottom plate.
MOVE
Curl the bar up in an arc toward your shoulders.
Pause at the top of the movement and slowly
lower the bar to the starting position.
Note: You can do this exercise with an EZ bar
attachment.
434
CHAPTER 20
Forearms
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the forearm muscles, including the wrist flexors and wrist extensors. The wrist flexors are located on the front of
the forearms, while the wrist extensors are located
on the back of the forearm. See the diagram for the
location of each group. The forearm exercises are
divided into wrist curl exercises, reverse wrist curl
exercises, and grip exercises. Wherever a certain
type of exercise is used in a workout, any one of
the same type can be substituted.
Forearm flexors
Forearm extensors
E6002/Stoppani/fig 20.01/496268/alw/R1-pulled
435
436
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Wrist Curl Exercises
Barbell wrist curl
Dumbbell wrist curl
Standing behind-the-back wrist curl
436
437
437
Reverse Wrist Curl Exercises
Barbell reverse wrist curl
Dumbbell reverse wrist curl
Standing reverse wrist curl
Wrist roller
438
438
439
439
BARBELL WRIST CURL
START
Sit at the end of a flat bench with your legs in front
of you and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
While holding a barbell with a shoulder-width,
underhand grip, rest your forearms on the tops
of your thighs so that your wrists and hands hang
off your knees. Extend your wrists so that your
hands hang down from your wrists at about a
90-degree angle. The bar should be supported
with just your fingers.
MOVE
Curl the weight up, starting with your fingers and
then your wrists, until your wrists are flexed and
your hands are as much past parallel with the
floor as possible. Hold this position for a second
while forcefully contracting your forearm muscles,
then slowly return the bar back to the start in the
reverse manner.
Grip Exercises
Weight plate pinch
Gorilla hang
Farmer’s walk
Hand gripper
440
440
441
441
DUMBBELL WRIST CURL
START
Sit at the end of a flat bench with your legs in front
of you and feet flat on the floor or bench base, or
up on the bench frame depending on the height
of the bench. While holding a dumbbell with an
underhand grip in your right hand, rest your right
forearm on top of your right thigh so that your
wrist and hand hang off your knee. Extend your
wrist so that your hand hangs down from your
wrist at about a 90-degree angle. The dumbbell
should be supported with just your fingers.
MOVE
Curl the weight up, starting with your fingers and
then your wrist, until your wrist is flexed and your
hand is as much past parallel with the floor as
possible. Hold this position for a second while
forcefully contracting your forearm muscles, then
slowly return the dumbbell back to the start in the
reverse manner. Complete the desired number
of reps and repeat with the left arm.
STANDING BEHIND-THE-BACK WRIST CURL
START
Stand while holding a barbell with an overhand
grip behind your thighs. Both your hands and
feet should be shoulder-width apart. The barbell
should be supported with just your fingers.
MOVE
Curl the weight up, starting with your fingers and
then your wrists, until your wrists are flexed and
your hands are as close to parallel with the floor
as possible. Hold this position for a second while
forcefully contracting your forearm muscles, then
slowly return the barbell back to the starting
position.
437
BARBELL REVERSE WRIST CURL
START
Sit at the end of a flat bench with your legs in front
of you and feet flat on the floor, or on the bench
frame depending on the height of the bench.
While holding a barbell with a shoulder-width,
overhand grip, rest your forearms on the tops of
your thighs so that your wrists and hands hang
off your knees. Flex your wrists so that your
hands hang down from your wrists at about a
90-degree angle.
MOVE
Extend your wrists to lift the weight up as high
as you can. Hold this position for a second while
forcefully contracting your forearm muscles, then
slowly return the bar back to the starting position.
DUMBBELL REVERSE WRIST CURL
START
Sit at the end of a flat bench with your legs in
front of you and feet flat on the floor, or on the
bench frame depending on the height of the
bench. Using an overhand grip to hold a dumbbell with your right hand, rest your forearm on
the top of your right thigh so that your wrist and
hand hang off your knee. Flex your wrist so that
your hand hangs down from your wrist at about
a 90-degree angle.
MOVE
Extend your wrist to lift the weight up as high as
you can. Hold this position for a second while
forcefully contracting your forearm muscles, then
slowly return the dumbbell back to the starting
position. Complete the desired number of reps
and repeat with the left arm.
438
STANDING REVERSE WRIST CURL
START
While standing and using an overhand grip, hold
a barbell about four to six inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in front of your thighs. Both your hands
and feet should be shoulder-width apart.
MOVE
Extend your wrist to lift the weight up as high as
you can. Hold this position for a second while
forcefully contracting your forearm muscles, then
slowly return the bar back to the starting position.
WRIST ROLLER
START
Hold the wrist roller out in front of you at arm’s
length and about shoulder height with the
attached weight on the floor.
MOVE
To work the wrist extensors on the back of the
forearm turn each wrist up in succession from
left to right until the weight has reached the
wrist roller bar. Then slowly lower the weight by
resisting the flexion of the wrists in the same
succession as used to lift the weight. Once the
weight has reached the floor reverse the movement and keep going in this manner until reaching
muscle failure. Once you can roll the weight up
and back down 6-8 times, consider adding more
weight. This unique exercise utilizes all concentric contractions to lift the weight and then all
eccentric contractions to lower the weight. You
can also work your wrist flexors on the front of
the forearm by flexing your wrists to lift the weight
up instead of extending them. Some wrist rollers
are designed to go over the safety bars in a power
rack. This way you do not need to support the
weight with your shoulders and can better focus
on the forearms.
439
WEIGHT PLATE PINCH
START
Take two equal-sized weight plates and place them
together on their sides with the smooth sides out by
your left foot. Hold them together with your left hand
fingertips, placing your thumb on one side and your
fingers on the other.
MOVE
Pick up the plates and hold them at the side of your
left thigh, similar to a unilateral deadlift. Hold the
plates in this position for several seconds and then
return the plates to the floor without letting go until
you have performed as many reps as desired. Repeat
with the right hand.
GORILLA HANG
START
Grab on to a pull-up bar with just your left hand.
MOVE
Lift your feet off the floor and hang for as long as possible with your left hand. Repeat with your right hand.
440
FARMER’S WALK
START
Using a neutral grip, hold on to two heavy dumbbells.
MOVE
Walk back and forth across the room as many times
as you can while holding the dumbbells.
HAND GRIPPER
START
Hold a hand gripper in your hand with your upper arm
straight by your side and your elbow bent about 90
degrees so that your forearm is parallel with the floor
and out in front of you.
MOVE
Start with the gripper fully open and squeeze it closed
as explosively as possible. Try to get the bottom of
the handles to touch in the closed position. Hold this
closed position for 1-2 seconds and then slowly open.
Once you have completed all reps with one hand repeat
with the other hand.
441
CHAPTER 21
Quadriceps
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the quadriceps muscles, including the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. See
the diagram for the location of each quadriceps
muscle. The quadriceps exercises are divided into
squat exercises, leg press and machine squat exercises, lunge and step exercises, and leg extension
Rectus femoris
exercises. Wherever a certain type of exercise is
used in a workout, any one of the same type can be
substituted. Although the squat, lunge, and step-up
exercises involve the quadriceps, hamstrings, and
glutes (as well as the adductor muscles in the
inner thigh), I have categorized them as quadriceps
exercises for the sake of simplicity.
Vastus intermedius
Vastus lateralis
Vastus medialis
E6002/Stoppani/fig 21.01/496330/alw/R2-pulled
442
Quadriceps
Squat Exercises
Barbell squat
Barbell front squat
Box squat
Sissy squat
Smith machine squat
Dumbbell squat
Dumbbell front squat
One-leg squat
Jump squat
Barbell hack squat
Jefferson squat
Zercher squat
Barbell squat with bands
Band squat
443
444
444
445
445
446
446
447
447
448
448
449
449
450
BARBELL SQUAT
START
Stand with a barbell rested on your shoulders
and traps. Both your hands and your feet should
be about shoulder-width apart. Maintain the natural arch in your lower back and keep your head
directed forward.
MOVE
Bend at the knees and hips, letting your glutes
track backward to lower yourself. At the point
where your thighs are parallel to the floor or lower,
reverse direction, driving up forcefully through
your heels to a standing position.
Note: For a detailed description of using the
squat for maximal strength, see chapter 8.
443
Leg Press and Machine Squat Exercises
Leg press
450
One-leg leg press
451
Horizontal leg press
451
Hack squat
452
Lunge and Step Exercises
Lunge
Walking lunge
Back lunge
Side lunge
Split squat
Step-up
Diagonal step-up
452
453
453
454
454
455
455
Leg Extension Exercises
Leg extension
Cable leg extension
456
456
BARBELL FRONT SQUAT
START
Stand with a barbell rested on your
shoulders and upper chest, holding
with either an Olympic-style grip or
cross-grip (as pictured). Maintain the
natural arch in your lower back and
keep your head directed forward.
MOVE
Perform a basic squat, bending your
knees and driving your hips back to
lower yourself until your thighs are
parallel to the floor. Then forcefully
extend your legs to stand back up to
the starting position.
BOX SQUAT
START
Place a box or bench that is about
knee height behind you in the power
rack or squat rack. Unrack the bar
and move back so that you’re several
inches in front of the box or bench.
MOVE
Squat back and down until your glutes
make contact with the box, and immediately explode back up by pressing
through your heels until you’re back in
the standing position. Do not "plop"
or fully sit down on the box. The goal is
to squat down slowly and softly on the
box and then immediately explode up.
This is a great exercise for learning
how to squat because it reinforces
the sitting-back portion of the squat. It
is also a great exercise for increasing
power in the squat, which can translate into stronger squats.
444
SISSY SQUAT
START
Stand with your feet hip-width to shoulder-width
apart and hold on to something sturdy that can
support you.
MOVE
Rise on your toes and lean back. Slowly descend,
allowing your knees to go ahead of your toes. Go
as low as you can and return to upright. The best
way to make sure this exercise is executed correctly is to try to keep your hips and back straight.
Act as if you were kneeling to the ground without
moving your upper body. The only moving part of
your body is the lower portion of the leg. To add
resistance, hold a weight plate on your chest with
the arm that is not stabilizing your body.
SMITH MACHINE SQUAT
START
Stand in a Smith machine with the bar across
your shoulders and traps, grasping it just outside
your shoulders. Twist the bar to unrack it.
MOVE
With your chest high, head forward, and back
slightly arched, bend your knees and hips as if
you’re sitting back in a chair until your thighs are
parallel to the floor. Reverse the motion by driving
through your heels and pressing your hips forward
to return to the starting position.
Note: You can also do this exercise as a front
squat.
445
DUMBBELL SQUAT
START
Stand while holding two dumbbells in a shoulder-width, neutral grip by your sides. Maintain
the natural arch in your lower back and keep your
head directed forward.
MOVE
Bend at the knees and hips, letting your glutes
track backward to lower yourself. At the point
where your thighs are parallel to the floor, reverse
direction, driving up forcefully through your heels
to a standing position.
DUMBBELL FRONT SQUAT
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bring
the dumbbells up and rest the ends on your
shoulders, the same as in the catch with dumbbell cleans.
MOVE
Keeping your torso as upright as possible, squat
until your thighs are parallel with the floor or lower
and then explode back up by pressing through
your heels.
446
ONE-LEG SQUAT
START
Stand with a barbell rested on your shoulders and traps, holding it with a shoulder-width grip. Rest the top of your right
foot on a flat bench placed two to three
feet (half a meter to one meter) behind
you. Maintain the natural arch in your lower
back and keep your head directed forward.
MOVE
Bend your left knee and hip to lower your
body until your left thigh is parallel to the
floor. Reverse the direction, driving up
forcefully through the left heel to the starting position. Perform the desired number
of reps and then repeat with the right leg.
Note: You can do this exercise with
dumbbells.
JUMP SQUAT
START
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width
apart and your knees slightly bent.
MOVE
Quickly drop down by bending at the knees
and hips, letting your glutes track backward
to lower yourself into a squat. At the point
where your thighs are parallel to the floor,
quickly and explosively reverse direction,
driving up through your heels and the balls
of your feet to lift your body off the floor
as high as possible. Land with soft knees
and immediately lower into the next rep.
Note: Research shows that doing this
exercise with just body weight and no
added resistance produces the greatest
amount of power.
447
BARBELL HACK SQUAT
START
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Using a
shoulder-width grip, hold a barbell behind your
thighs. Maintain the natural arch in your lower
back and keep your head directed forward.
MOVE
Bend at the knees and hips, letting your glutes
track backward to lower yourself. At the point
where your thighs are parallel to the floor or the
bar touches the floor, reverse direction, driving
up forcefully through your heels to a standing
position.
JEFFERSON SQUAT
START
Straddle a loaded barbell placed on the floor
and running sideways between your feet. Squat
down to pick up the bar, grabbing it with one hand
facing palm backward and one hand facing palm
forward. Hold the bar as you stand with a grip
that’s wider than shoulder width.
MOVE
Bend at the knees and hips, letting your glutes
track backward to lower yourself. At the point
where your thighs are parallel to the floor or the
bar touches the floor, reverse direction, driving
up forcefully through your heels to a standing
position.
448
ZERCHER SQUAT
START
Stand with a shoulder-width grip while holding
a barbell at waist height in the crook of your
crossed arms.
MOVE
Bend at the knees and hips, letting your glutes
track backward to lower yourself. At the point
where your thighs are parallel to the floor, reverse
direction, driving up forcefully through your heels
to the standing position.
BARBELL SQUAT WITH BANDS
START
Attach a band to each side of the barbell. Attach
the other end of each band to the bottom of the
power rack or squat rack or to a heavy dumbbell.
Stand with the barbell resting on your shoulders
and traps. Both your hands and your feet should
be about shoulder-width apart. Maintain the natural arch in your lower back and keep your head
directed forward.
MOVE
Bend at the knees and hips, letting your glutes
track backward to lower yourself. At the point
where your thighs are parallel to the floor, reverse
direction, driving up forcefully through your heels
to a standing position.
449
BAND SQUAT
START
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width
apart on top of an exercise band. Be sure
to keep your feet planted and straight
throughout the exercise so that the band
does not slip out. For light resistance, keep
your arms at your sides. For maximal resistance, lift your arms so that the handles
are near your shoulders with the bands
running down behind your shoulders as
if you were doing band shoulder presses.
MOVE
Squat by sitting back to bend at the hips
and knees until your thighs are about
parallel with the floor. Drive through your
heels to stand back up into a fully upright
position. Repeat for reps.
LEG PRESS
START
Sit in an angled leg press machine and
place your feet shoulder-width apart in
the center of the foot plate. Unhook the
safety stoppers and support the weight
with your legs.
MOVE
Slowly lower the weight, bringing your
knees toward your chest but stopping
when your knees are at a 90-degree angle.
Pause a moment before pressing through
your heels to return the weight to the
starting position at full leg extension but
without locking out at the knees.
450
ONE-LEG LEG PRESS
START
Sit in a leg press machine and place
your left foot in the middle of the platform, keeping the right foot flat on the
floor for stability. Unhook the safety
stoppers and support the weight with
your left leg.
MOVE
Slowly lower the weight, bringing your
left knee toward your chest but stopping when your knee is at a 90-degree
angle. Pause a moment before pressing
through your heel to return the weight to
the starting position at full leg extension
but without locking out at the knee.
Perform the desired number of reps and
then repeat with the right leg.
HORIZONTAL LEG PRESS
START
Lie in a horizontal leg press machine
with your back flat against the pad.
Place your feet shoulder-width apart in
the center of the foot plate. Unhook the
safety stopper and support the weight
with your legs.
MOVE
Slowly lower yourself toward the foot
plate, bringing your knees toward your
chest but stopping when your knees are
at a 90-degree angle. Pause a moment
before pressing through your heels to
return the weight to the starting position
at full leg extension but without locking
out the knees.
451
HACK SQUAT
START
Stand in a hack squat machine with your
feet hip-width apart in the middle of the
foot plate. Unhook the safety stopper and
support the weight with your legs.
MOVE
Slowly squat down until your hips and
knees are at or just below a 90-degree
angle. From there, stand back up by
pressing through your heels to lift the
weight to an upright position. Come
almost to a full extension at the top
without locking out your knees.
LUNGE
START
Support a barbell across your shoulders and traps and hold it with a shoulder-width grip while standing with your
feet together. Keep your head directed
forward and maintain the arch in your
low back.
MOVE
Step forward with your right foot, leading
with your heel, and lunge down toward the
floor, maintaining control over the speed
of your descent. Lower yourself until your
left knee almost touches the floor. Push
back off your right foot, returning to the
starting position. Repeat with the left leg
and alternate reps.
Note: You can do this exercise with
dumbbells.
452
WALKING LUNGE
START
Support a barbell across your shoulders and
traps and hold it with a shoulder-width grip while
standing with your feet together. Keep your head
directed forward and maintain the arch in your
low back.
MOVE
Step forward with your right foot, leading with your
heel, and lunge down toward the floor, maintaining control over the speed of your descent. Lower
yourself until your left knee almost touches the
floor. Lift yourself up and toward your right foot
by pulling with your right leg. Come to a standing position with both feet together and repeat
the motion with your left leg. Alternate legs with
each rep.
Note: You can do this exercise with dumbbells.
BACK LUNGE
START
Stand with your feet about hip-width apart while
supporting a barbell on your shoulders, holding
dumbbells in your hands, or using just your body
weight.
MOVE
Step backward with your left leg and lower your
body until your front leg is bent at the knee about
90 degrees. Push from the back leg to initiate
the movement and continue lifting your body with
the front leg until your back leg is back next to
your front leg. Repeat by stepping back with the
right leg and continue alternating legs until all
reps are completed.
453
SIDE LUNGE
START
You can do this exercise by holding dumbbells or
a barbell or by just using your body weight. In any
case, stand with your feet about shoulder-width
apart.
MOVE
Step out to your right as far as you can with
your right foot. The forefoot should be turned
out slightly as you plant it on the floor. Squat,
shifting your weight to the right until your right
leg is about parallel with the floor. Extend your
right leg back up to lift your body up, and land
with your right foot in a shoulder-width stance
again. Repeat in the same manner with your left
leg and continue alternating legs each rep until
all reps are completed.
SPLIT SQUAT
START
Support a barbell across your shoulders and
traps and hold it with a shoulder-width grip while
standing with your feet together. Keep your head
directed forward and maintain the arch in your
low back. Take a large step forward with your right
leg. Your left heel will lift off the floor.
MOVE
Drop your body downward by bending your right
knee and lowering your left knee toward the floor.
Reverse the motion and press back up into a
standing split squat. Complete all reps for the
right side, then switch to the left side.
Note: You can do this exercise with dumbbells.
454
STEP-UP
START
Place a knee-high box or bench in front of
you and grasp a dumbbell in each hand or
use just your body weight. Stand with your
feet in a comfortable hip-width stance.
MOVE
Step forward with one leg onto the step
and drive through that thigh to bring your
body upward. Bring the trailing leg to the
top of the step and stand on the box, then
step back with the opposite leg to the
floor and lower yourself. Be sure to keep
your low back in its natural arch and your
upper body upright throughout the whole
movement. Alternate legs with each rep.
DIAGONAL STEP-UP
START
Place a box or a bench that’s about kneeheight in front of you.
MOVE
Step up on to the box or bench with the
working leg at about a 45-degree angle to
the back leg. Extend at the knees, hips,
and ankles to lift your body so that both
feet are on the box. Lower yourself to
the floor using the same leg you stepped
up with and switch legs once you have
finished the descent. To add resistance,
grasp dumbbells in each hand, or place a
barbell on your back, or wear a weighted
vest. Research shows that diagonal stepups target the quadriceps better than
standard step-ups, which better target the
hamstrings and glutes.
455
LEG EXTENSION
START
Adjust the seat back and footpad of a leg
extension machine so that when you sit in
it your knees are at the edge of the bench
and your ankles are just below the footpad
or rollers. Sit back with your back pressed
firmly against the back pad.
MOVE
Grasp the handles or the seat edges
behind your hips and keep your upper body
stable as you extend your legs in a smooth
movement until fully extended. Contract
your quads at the top and slowly lower
the weight under control to the starting
position.
CABLE LEG EXTENSION
START
Attach an ankle cuff to your right ankle
and connect it to a low-pulley cable. Your
lower leg should form a 90-degree angle
at the knee.
MOVE
Kick your lower leg forward and up until
your leg is fully extended. Contract the
quad muscles for a second and then return
your foot to the starting position. Complete
the desired number of reps and repeat with
the left leg.
456
CHAPTER 22
Hamstrings and Glutes
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the hamstrings and
gluteal (glute) muscles, including the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, gluteus
maximus, and gluteus medius. See the diagram
for the location of each of these muscles. The
hamstring and glute exercises are divided into hip
extension exercises and leg curl exercises. Wherever a certain type of exercise is used in a workout,
any one of the same type can be substituted.
Gluteus medius
Gluteus maximus
Biceps femoris
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
E6002/Stoppani/fig 22.01/496351/alw/R1-pulled
457
458
Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Hip Extension Exercises
Romanian deadlift
Dumbbell Romanian deadlift
Glute and ham raise
Reverse hamstring extension
Bench bridge
Cable hamstring raise
ROMANIAN DEADLIFT
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width
apart and knees slightly bent.
Using an overhand, shoulder-width
grip or a staggered grip, hold a
barbell in both hands in front of
your thighs.
MOVE
Lean forward from your hips, pushing your hips back as you guide the
bar down your legs until the bar is
at mid-shin height. Slowly extend
at the hips to raise the bar back to
the starting position.
458
459
459
460
460
461
Leg Curl Exercises
Lying leg curl
Lying dumbbell leg curl
Seated leg curl
Cable leg curl
461
462
462
463
DUMBBELL ROMANIAN DEADLIFT
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
and your knees slightly bent. Using an
overhand grip, hold a pair of dumbbells
in both hands in front of your thighs.
MOVE
Lean forward from your hips, pushing
your hips back as you guide the dumbbells down your legs until they are midshin height. Slowly extend at the hips
to raise the weights back to the starting
position.
GLUTE AND HAM RAISE
START
Position yourself in a glute-ham raise
bench with your thighs resting on the
rounded pad and your ankles in the ankle
pads and feet pressed firmly on the foot
plate. Bend forward from the hips so that
your torso hangs down toward the floor.
MOVE
Start the move by extending at the hips.
Once your torso is in line with your thighs,
immediately flex your hamstrings to curl
your body up from the knees until your
thighs and torso are upright.
Note: There is an apparatus known as
a glute and ham raise that is designed
specifically for this exercise as seen in
the photos. However, very few gyms have
this apparatus.
459
REVERSE HAMSTRING EXTENSION
START
Lie facedown on a horizontal back extension
bench. Hold the footpads with your arms to
support your torso on the pad. Your hips and
legs should hang off the end of the pad at a
90-degree angle.
MOVE
Extend at the hips to raise your legs up to parallel
with the floor. Hold this position for a second,
then reverse the motion to lower your legs back
to the starting position.
BENCH BRIDGE
START
Lie on the floor next to a bench with your back
flat on the floor and your heels up on the bench.
You can keep your arms at your sides on the floor
or place them across your chest.
MOVE
Press through your heels to extend at the hips to
lift your glutes up until your torso and upper legs
are in a straight line with just your upper back
touching the floor. Contract your hamstrings and
glutes as hard as you can for a second before
returning to the start position and repeating for
reps. You can increase the resistance by holding
a weight plate on your abs. To reduce the resistance, do this exercise with your feet on the floor
instead of on the bench.
460
CABLE HAMSTRING RAISE
START
Stand facing a low-pulley cable with an ankle
collar attached to your left ankle and connected
to the low pulley. Hold the cable apparatus for
support.
MOVE
Keeping your back straight, kick your left leg back
behind you and as high up as possible. Hold it in
the top position for a second before lowering the
leg to the starting position. Complete the desired
number of reps and repeat with the right leg.
LYING LEG CURL
START
Lie facedown on a leg curl machine. Position your
Achilles tendons below the padded lever and
place your knees just off the edge of the bench.
Grasp the bench or the handles for stability. Make
sure your knees are slightly bent to protect them
from overextension.
MOVE
Keeping your hips down on the bench, use your
hamstrings to flex your knees and raise your feet
toward your glutes. Squeeze the hamstrings at
the top, then lower the lever arm to the starting
position.
461
LYING DUMBBELL LEG CURL
START
Place a dumbbell between your feet and
lie down on a flat bench with your legs
extended. Hold on to the edge of the pad
or the legs of the bench for stability.
MOVE
Slowly bring the weight up by flexing your
knees until your lower legs are just short
of vertical. Slowly lower the dumbbell back
to the starting position.
SEATED LEG CURL
START
Sit in a seated leg curl machine with your
knees just past the bench and your ankles
placed on the ankle pad. Hold the handles
to support your body.
MOVE
Curl your lower legs under you by flexing
at the knees to bring your feet as close to
the bottom of the bench as possible. Hold
this position for a second and squeeze
your hamstrings hard. Return your feet to
the starting position.
462
CABLE LEG CURL
START
Stand facing a low-pulley cable with an ankle
collar attached to your left ankle and connected to the low pulley. Step back two to
three feet (half a meter to one meter) from
the pulley and lift your left leg out to form a
45-degree angle to your body.
MOVE
Slowly flex your knee to curl your lower leg
down to form a 90-degree angle at your
knee. Hold this position for a second and
then return your foot to the start. Complete
the desired number of reps and repeat with
the right leg.
463
CHAPTER 23
Calves
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of all
major exercises that focus on the calf muscles,
including the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. It
also includes exercises for the major muscle on the
front of the shin, the tibialis anterior. Keeping this
muscle strengthened and in balance with the gastrocnemius and soleus can help to prevent lower-leg
injuries, such as shinsplints. The gastrocnemius
has a medial head and a lateral head. The soleus
lies beneath the gastrocnemius. See the diagram
for the location of these muscles. The calf exercises
are divided into exercises that focus on the gastrocnemius and exercises that target the soleus, as
well as exercises for the tibialis anterior. Wherever
a certain type of exercise is used in a workout, any
one of the same type can be substituted.
Lateral head of
gastrocnemius
Soleus
Medial head
of gastrocnemius
E6002/Stoppani/fig 23.01/496363/alw/R2-pulled
464
Calves
Gastrocnemius Exercises
Standing calf raise
Power rack standing calf raise
Smith machine standing calf raise
Leg press calf raise
One-leg press calf raise
Hack squat calf raise
Donkey calf raise
Calf jump
465
466
466
467
467
468
468
469
STANDING CALF RAISE
START
Stand beneath the shoulder pads of a standing
calf raise machine with the balls of your feet at
the edge of the foot rest. Keep your legs straight
and your heels down to stretch the calves.
MOVE
Lift your heels by contracting the calf muscles
to rise as high as you can on the balls of your
feet. Hold this position for a second, flexing your
calf muscles, then lower your heels back to the
starting position.
465
Soleus Exercises
Seated calf raise
One-leg seated calf raise
Dumbbell seated calf raise
Power rack seated calf raise
Smith machine seated calf raise
469
470
470
471
471
Tibialis Anterior Exercises
Seated dumbbell toe raise
Seated cable toe raise
Standing kettlebell toe raise
472
472
473
POWER RACK STANDING CALF RAISE
START
Stand underneath a barbell set in a power rack.
You can stand on a block or weight plate, or
simply just the floor (as pictured). The barbell
should be set at a height lower than your shoulders. Rest the bar on your shoulders and traps
and hold it with a shoulder-width, overhand grip.
MOVE
Lift your heels by contracting the calf muscles to
rise as high as you can on the balls of your feet,
raising the bar up along the sides of the power
rack. Hold this position for a second, flexing your
calf muscles, then lower your heels back to the
starting position.
SMITH MACHINE STANDING CALF RAISE
START
Stand on a block or weight plate set underneath
the bar of a Smith machine. You can also just
use the floor. Rest the bar on your shoulders and
traps. Hold it with a shoulder-width, overhand grip
and unlatch the safety hooks.
MOVE
Lift your heels by contracting the calf muscles to
rise as high as you can on the balls of your feet,
raising the bar up along the guides of the Smith
machine. Hold this position for a second, flexing
your calf muscles, then lower your heels back to
the starting position.
466
LEG PRESS CALF RAISE
START
Sit in a leg press machine and place your
feet on the bottom of the foot plate so that
your heels hang off the foot plate. Press the
foot plate up from the safety hooks (but do
not unlatch them) by straightening your legs.
Drop your toes down toward your shins to
stretch your calves.
MOVE
Press the weight up with your toes by contracting your calf muscles. Hold this position
for a second, flexing your calf muscles,
then lower your heels back to the starting
position.
ONE-LEG PRESS CALF RAISE
START
Sit in a leg press machine and place your
left foot on the bottom of the foot plate so
that your heel hangs off the foot plate. Press
the foot plate up from the safety hooks (but
do not unlatch them) by straightening your
leg. Drop your toes down toward your shin
to stretch your calf.
MOVE
Press the weight up with your toes by contracting your calf muscles. Hold this position
for a second, flexing your calf muscles, then
lower your heel back to the start position.
Perform all reps with the left leg and then
repeat with the right leg.
467
HACK SQUAT CALF RAISE
START
Stand in a hack squat machine with your back flat
against the back pad. Place the balls of your feet
on the end of the foot plate so that your heels
hang off. Release the safety latches to support
the weight with your body and lower your heels
to get a good stretch on the calves.
MOVE
Extend at your ankles to lift your heels as high
as possible and hold this position for a second
as you contract your calves as hard as possible.
Lower your heels back to the start and repeat
for reps.
DONKEY CALF RAISE
START
Position yourself in a donkey calf raise machine
so that your feet are on the foot plate. Your torso
is bent at the hips and parallel to the ground.
Your forearms rest on the forearm pad and your
low back supports the back pad. Drop your heels
as low as you can to get a good stretch in your
calves.
MOVE
Lift your heels by contracting the calf muscles to
rise as high as you can on the balls of your feet,
raising the weight up by the pad placed on the
low back. Hold this position for a second, flexing
your calf muscles, then lower your heels back to
the starting position.
468
CALF JUMP
START
This exercise is much like a squat jump, but
without squatting before the jump. To do this
exercise, stand with your feet about hip-width
apart.
MOVE
Bend only very slightly at the knees and then
jump up as high as possible by extending
your feet at the ankles. Be sure to land on
the balls of your feet to take advantage of the
negative force for inducing muscle damage.
Repeat for reps.
SEATED CALF RAISE
START
Sit in the seated calf machine and place the
balls of your feet on the foot plate so that your
heels hang off the edge. Place the knee pad on
your knees and unrack the weight. Drop your
heels as low as you can to get a good stretch
in your calves.
MOVE
Lift your heels by contracting the calf muscles
to raise the weight as high as you can on the
balls of your feet. Hold this position for a
second, flexing your calf muscles, then lower
your heels back to the starting position.
469
ONE-LEG SEATED CALF RAISE
START
Sit in the seated calf raise machine and place
your right leg on the foot plate with your right
knee under the knee pad. Keep your left leg on
the floor. Unrack the weight supporting it with
just your right leg.
MOVE
Lower your heel as low as possible to get a good
stretch, then press the weight up on the ball of
your foot to raise your heel as high as possible.
Hold this position for a second as you flex your
calf as hard as possible. Then lower your heel to
repeat for reps. Once you have completed all reps
with your right leg, perform in the same manner
with the left leg.
DUMBBELL SEATED CALF RAISE
START
Sit on the end of a flat bench with your legs
hip-width apart and your feet on a block or foot
plate set on the floor. Place a dumbbell on the
top of each knee and secure them there with your
hands. Drop your heels as low as you can to get
a good stretch in your calves.
MOVE
Lift your heels by contracting the calf muscles to
raise the weight as high as you can on the balls of
your feet. Hold this position for a second, flexing
your calf muscles, then lower your heels back to
the starting position.
470
POWER RACK SEATED CALF RAISE
START
Place a flat bench or box in a power rack and
set a block or foot plate (or if you have neither,
try 25-pound plates) about one foot in front of
the bench. You can also simply use the floor, as
pictured. Set the safety pins so that when the
bar rests on them, it is at the same height as
your knees or slightly lower when you sit on the
bench. Sit on the bench with the bar resting on
your thighs (a few inches up from your knee caps).
The balls of your feet are on the plates and your
heels are on the floor.
MOVE
Lift your heels by contracting the calf muscles to
raise the weight as high as you can on the balls of
your feet. Hold this position for a second, flexing
your calf muscles, then lower your heels back to
the starting position.
SMITH MACHINE SEATED CALF RAISE
START
Place a flat bench in a Smith machine and set
a block or foot plate (or if you have neither, try
25-pound plates) about one foot in front of the
bench. You can also use the floor or the frame of
the bench, as pictured. Sit on the bench with the
unlatched bar resting on your thighs (a few inches
up from your knee caps). The balls of your feet
are on the plates and your heels are on the floor.
MOVE
Lift your heels by contracting the calf muscles to
raise the weight as high as you can on the balls of
your feet. Hold this position for a second, flexing
your calf muscles, then lower your heels back to
the starting position.
471
SEATED DUMBBELL TOE RAISE
START
Sit on the end of a bench with a
light dumbbell placed on its end
on the floor in front of you. Place
your feet under the weight plates
of the top end of the dumbbell
and extend your legs out enough
so that the dumbbell hangs freely.
If you need to, use an adjustable
bench with the bench raised up
enough to allow clearance for the
dumbbell to hang, as pictured.
MOVE
Raise your toes up toward your
knees as high as possible and
then reverse the motion to extend
your toes as far as you can without dropping the dumbbell and
repeat for reps.
SEATED CABLE TOE RAISE
START
Place a flat bench next to a
low-cable pulley with a D-handle
or stirrup-handle attachment
connected to it. Place your left
foot through the attachment so
that the handle is on the top of
your foot. Sit on the bench and
slide back so that your left leg is
supported on the bench with your
foot freely hanging off the end.
MOVE
Extend your ankle to point your
toes forward as far as possible
without the handle attachment
slipping off of your foot, then
reverse the motion to flex your
ankle and lift your foot toward
your shin as far back as you can.
Extend your ankle again and
repeat for reps. After you perform
all reps on the left foot, repeat on
the right.
472
STANDING KETTLEBELL TOE RAISE
START
Stand on a block or box or a pile of 45-pound
plates that are almost as high as the handle of
the kettlebell you are using. Place one foot under
the handle so that the handle is resting on the
top of your foot.
MOVE
Pull your foot up as high as you can. Hold this
position for a second and slowly lower the kettlebell back to the floor. Complete all reps for one
leg and then repeat on the other leg.
473
CHAPTER 24
Abdominals and Core
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of
all major exercises that focus on the abdominal
muscles, including the rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques, and transverse
abdominis. See the diagram below for the location
of each. The abdominal exercises are divided into
upper-abdominal exercises, lower-abdominal exercises, oblique exercises, and core exercise. Wherever a certain type of exercise is used in a workout,
any one of the same type can be substituted.
External
obliques
Internal
obliques
Transverse
abdominis
Rectus
abdominis
E6002/Stoppani/fig24.01/496301/alw/R2-pulled
474
Abdominals and Core
Upper-Abdominal Exercises
Crunch
Straight-leg crunch
Decline crunch
Roman chair crunch
Machine crunch
Exercise ball crunch
Crunch with medicine ball throw
Exercise ball crunch with medicine
ball throw
Bicycle crunch
Cable crunch
Standing cable crunch
Smith machine crunch
Bell tower crunch
V-up
Dumbbell V-sit
Lower-Abdominal Exercises
Reverse crunch
Incline reverse crunch
Exercise ball reverse crunch
Hip thrust
Smith machine hip thrust
Hanging knee raise
Hanging leg raise
Exercise ball tuck
TRX knee tuck
Band rising knee
476
476
477
477
478
478
479
479
480
480
481
481
482
482
483
483
484
484
485
485
486
486
487
487
488
475
Oblique Exercises
Crossover crunch
Reaching crossover crunch
Oblique crunch
Dumbbell side bend
Standing cable oblique crunch
Standing cable oblique pushdown
Kneeling oblique cable crunch
Side jackknife
Russian twist
Standing medicine ball rotation
Band roundhouse elbow
488
489
489
490
490
491
491
492
492
493
493
Core Exercises
Lying leg raise
Scissor kick
Exercise ball pass
Barbell roll-out
Dumbbell woodchopper
Cable woodchopper
Band woodchopper
Plank
Side plank
Side plank with reach-through
494
494
495
495
496
496
497
497
498
498
CRUNCH
START
Lie on the floor with your knees bent. Feet
and low back are flat on the floor.
MOVE
With your hands cupped loosely behind your
head, contract through your abs to lift your
shoulders and upper back off the floor. Hold
this position for a second before slowly lowering back to the starting position, making
the negative portion of the rep as slow and
deliberate as the positive portion.
Note: To make this exercise more difficult,
hold a weight plate on your chest.
STRAIGHT-LEG CRUNCH
START
Lie faceup on the floor with your legs straight
up in the air.
MOVE
Curl up as high as you can to bring your
shoulders and upper back off the floor. Hold
this position for a second before slowly lowering back to the starting position.
Note: To make this exercise more difficult,
hold a weight plate on your chest.
476
DECLINE CRUNCH
START
Lie back in a decline bench with your feet secured
under the foot pad. Cup your hands behind your
head, or place them by your ears as shown.
MOVE
Curl up as high as you can to bring your shoulders
and upper back off the bench, simultaneously
pressing your lower back into the bench. Hold
this position for a second before slowly lowering
back to the starting position.
Note: To make this exercise more difficult, hold
a weight plate on your chest.
ROMAN CHAIR CRUNCH
START
Sit facing up on a back extension bench so that
your shins are touching the ankle pads and your
butt is on the bench.
MOVE
Extend back at the hips until your torso is below
parallel with the floor and then crunch up as
high as possible. Slowly lower down and repeat
for reps. Focus on getting a good stretch in the
abs in the start position, which will make for a
stronger contraction of the abs. Add resistance
by holding a weight plate on your chest.
477
MACHINE CRUNCH
START
Sit in the machine crunch and select the proper
weight.
MOVE
Keep your feet stationary and perform crunches
as instructed in the machine directions, focusing
on the contraction of your abs. This is a convenient way to add resistance to your ab work for
better ab development.
EXERCISE BALL CRUNCH
START
Lie on your back on a stability ball with your feet
flat on the floor.
MOVE
Curl up as high as you can to bring your shoulders
and upper back off the ball. Hold this position
for a second before slowly lowering back to the
starting position.
Note: To make this exercise more difficult, hold
a weight plate on your chest.
478
CRUNCH WITH MEDICINE BALL THROW
START
Get in a crunch position on the floor
with your feet close to a sturdy wall or
exercise ball net. Hold a medicine ball
overhead with your knees bent and feet
flat on the floor.
MOVE
Explosively crunch up as you simultaneously throw the medicine ball
from overhead at the wall. Maintain
the upright position to catch the ball
on its return and allow it to take you
down right into the next rep.
EXERCISE BALL CRUNCH WITH MEDICINE BALL THROW
START
Lie on your back on a stability ball
with your feet flat on the floor. Hold a
medicine ball with your arms extended
back over your head.
MOVE
Curl up explosively to bring your
shoulders and upper back as high as
possible off the ball while throwing
the medicine ball to a training partner.
Hold the top position. Your partner
then throws the ball back to you. Use
your abs to resist the direction of the
ball and return to the starting position.
479
BICYCLE CRUNCH
START
Lie flat so that your lower back is
pressed to the floor. Place your hands
behind your head and lift your knees
to about a 45-degree angle.
MOVE
Go through a bicycle pedaling motion
with your legs as you alternately touch
your elbows to the opposite knees,
twisting back and forth.
CABLE CRUNCH
START
Kneel facing a high-pulley cable with a
rope attached to it. Grasp the ends of
the rope and bring your hands down to
the top of your head, where they remain
fixed throughout the movement. Bend
over at the waist so that your back is
almost parallel with the floor.
MOVE
Curl your torso down to bring your
elbows toward your knees. Hold this
position and flex your abs for a second
before slowly going back to the starting
position.
480
STANDING CABLE CRUNCH
START
Stand with your back toward a high-pulley cable
with a rope attached to it. Grasp the end of the
rope with a neutral grip and bring your hands down
to your collarbone. Your feet are shoulder-width
apart and your knees are slightly bent.
MOVE
Curl your torso down to bring your elbows toward
your knees. Hold this position and flex your abs
for a second before slowly going back to the
starting position.
Note: This exercise can be done seated, as shown
in the photo.
SMITH MACHINE CRUNCH
START
Place a bench in the middle of a Smith machine.
Lie faceup on the bench with your knees bent
and feet flat on the bench. The bar should line up
over your upper abs as you hold the bar at arm’s
length above you with your back flat on the bench.
MOVE
Use your abs to explosively lift your torso up as
high as you can, pushing the bar up as your body
rises. Slowly lower your upper body to the bench
and repeat for reps.
481
BELL TOWER CRUNCH
START
Attach a rope handle to a high cable pulley, or
grab the end of the cable as shown. Grab the
rope with your left hand above your right hand
and stand in a staggered stance with your right
leg in front of your left.
MOVE
Using your abs and obliques, pull the rope down
in front of you and toward your right knee (flexing
and rotating your spine). Hold this position for
a second as you exhale and squeeze your abs
as tight as possible. Slowly return to the start
position and repeat for reps. When you have
completed all reps on the right side, switch your
foot and hand position and perform in a similar
manner on the left.
V-UP
START
Sit at the end of a flat bench with your hands
grasping the edges and your feet off the floor.
Lean back until your body is almost straight and
parallel to the floor.
MOVE
Start with your legs straight, then bring your
knees toward your chest while simultaneously
curling your upper body toward your knees to form
a V at the waist. Return your legs and torso to
the starting position.
482
DUMBBELL V-SIT
START
Lie faceup on the floor. Arms are fully
extended overhead and resting on the floor.
Hold a dumbbell with both hands.
MOVE
Contract your abs to flex your spine, slowly
drawing your legs and shoulders off the
floor. Crunch hard until your feet and hands
point at the ceiling and your body is in a V
position. Slowly lower back to the starting
position.
REVERSE CRUNCH
START
Lie faceup on the floor with your hands
extended at your sides. Feet are up and
thighs are perpendicular to the floor (your
hips and knees should form a 90-degree
angle).
MOVE
Slowly bring your knees toward your chest,
lifting your hips and glutes off the floor. Try
to maintain the bend in your knees throughout the movement. Return to the starting
position under control.
Note: To make this exercise more difficult,
perform it on a decline bench with your head
on the high end.
483
INCLINE REVERSE CRUNCH
START
Lie on an incline, such as on a decline
bench or raised ab board, with your head
where your feet normally go. Hold on to
the leg pads to hold your torso in place on
the bench. Bend your hips and knees to
90-degree angles for the start position of
the reverse crunch.
MOVE
Maintain the bend in your knees and hips
and flex your spine from the bottom to lift
your hips up off the bench and curl your
knees toward your head. Slowly reverse
the motion to return your legs to the start
position.
EXERCISE BALL REVERSE CRUNCH
START
Place an exercise ball next to an exercise
machine or other apparatus that you can
grab for stability. Lie on your back on the
stability ball with your feet up and thighs
perpendicular to the floor (your hips and
knees should form a 90-degree angle).
Reach back over your head and grab on to
the apparatus for stability.
MOVE
Slowly bring your knees toward your chest,
lifting your hips and glutes off the ball. Try
to maintain the bend in your knees throughout the movement. Return to the starting
position under control.
484
HIP THRUST
START
Lie faceup on the floor with your hands extended
at your sides. Your legs are perpendicular to the
floor.
MOVE
Raise your hips and glutes straight up off the floor
by using your abdominals. Hold for a second in
this position, then lower your hips back to the
starting position.
SMITH MACHINE HIP THRUST
START
Lie on your back on a bench or on the floor or on
a flat bench in the middle of a Smith machine.
Place your feet on the bottom of the bar and roll
the bar with your feet to unlatch the safety hooks.
Extend your legs straight up while supporting the
bar with the soles of your feet. Your body should
form an L in this position with your hips bent at
about 90 degrees and your knees fairly straight.
Hold on to the machine or place your hands firmly
on the floor or on the bench at your sides.
MOVE
Use your lower abs to lift your legs straight up as
high as you can go. Hold the top position for a
second and then slowly lower your legs until your
butt and lower back are on the floor.
485
HANGING KNEE RAISE
START
Position yourself on a vertical bench and hang
from it with your torso straight and your knees
slightly bent.
MOVE
Lift your legs, bending your knees on the way up to
pull your knees up toward your chest while rounding your lower back to bring your glutes forward
and up. Pause in this position for a second, then
slowly lower your legs to the starting position.
Note: This exercise can also be done hanging
from a chin-up bar.
HANGING LEG RAISE
START
Position yourself on a vertical bench with your
entire body completely straight.
MOVE
Keeping your legs straight, lift your legs up as
high past parallel with the floor as possible by
flexing at the waist while rounding your lower
back to bring your glutes forward and up. Pause
in this position for a second, then slowly lower
your legs to the starting position.
Note: This exercise can also be done hanging
from a chin-up bar.
486
EXERCISE BALL TUCK
START
Lie on the floor in a push-up position with your
feet resting on top of an exercise ball.
MOVE
Tuck your knees in toward your chest while rolling the ball forward. Hold the tucked position
for a second, and then return to the starting
position by extending your legs back.
TRX KNEE TUCK
START
Get on the floor in a push-up position with your
feet placed in the stirrups of a TRX. Adjust
the TRX handles so that they are just above
the floor
MOVE
Tuck your knees in toward your chest. Hold
the tucked position for a second, and then
return to the starting position by extending
your legs back.
487
BAND RISING KNEE
START
Attach a band to a stable structure as low to
the floor as possible and attach the other end
of the band to your left ankle with an ankle
cuff. Stand in a fighting stance with your right
foot in front of your left.
MOVE
As quickly and as explosively as possible,
drive your knee up toward your chest as high
as possible and return your foot back to the
start position. Complete all reps on the left
leg and then perform in the same way with
your right leg.
CROSSOVER CRUNCH
START
Lie faceup on the floor with your knees bent
and feet flat on the floor. Cup your hands
behind your head or place them at the sides
of your head.
MOVE
Curl up as high as you can, bringing your left
shoulder and upper back off the floor. Simultaneously bring your left elbow across your body
toward your right knee. Hold at the top for a
second, then slowly lower yourself back to the
starting position. Repeat on the right side and
continue alternating sides in this manner.
488
REACHING CROSSOVER CRUNCH
START
Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat
on the floor. Hold your arms extended a few
inches off the floor alongside your hips.
MOVE
Raise your left shoulder and upper back
off the floor as you reach with your left arm
across your torso to your right knee. Return
to the start and repeat on the right side.
OBLIQUE CRUNCH
START
Lie on the floor on your right side with your
hips and knees bent. Cup your left hand
behind your head and place your right hand
across your body. Placing your hand on your
obliques can help you feel the muscles
contract and enhance the mind–muscle
connection.
MOVE
Contract your obliques to lift your shoulder
off the floor. Hold this position for a second,
contracting your obliques as hard as possible, then return to the start position.
Complete all reps on the left side and then
repeat on the right side.
Note: To make this exercise more difficult,
hold a weight plate on your chest.
489
DUMBBELL SIDE BEND
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
while holding a dumbbell with a neutral grip
in your left hand with your arm hanging at
your side.
MOVE
Bend sideways at the waist to the right as
low as possible using your oblique muscles
to pull your torso down. Hold for a second
and return to the starting position. Complete
the desired number of reps and repeat on
the left side.
STANDING CABLE OBLIQUE CRUNCH
START
Stand with your right side toward a high-pulley cable with a single-handle D-grip
attached to the pulley. Grip the handle with
your right hand, palm up, and bring it toward
your temple while keeping your elbow tucked
tightly at your side.
MOVE
Contract though your obliques, pulling your
torso down to the right. Pause a moment
in this position before slowly returning to
the starting position. Complete the desired
number of reps and repeat on the left side.
490
STANDING CABLE OBLIQUE PUSHDOWN
START
Attach a D-handle to a high cable pulley and, if
possible, adjust it to just above hip height. Stand
sideways to the pulley station with your right side
closest to the pulley and right hand holding on
to the handle attachment. Straighten your arm
to create tension on the cable.
MOVE
Bend down on your right side, pushing the handle
down toward the floor just outside your right foot.
Focus on contracting your oblique muscle in this
down position and then slowly return upright to
the starting position. Perform all reps on the right
side then repeat on the left.
KNEELING OBLIQUE CABLE CRUNCH
START
Face a high cable pulley with a rope attached to
it on your knees with your body angled about 45
degrees from the pulley. Grab the ends of the
rope with your right hand and keep your arm out
in front of you with your elbow bent about 90
degrees. Maintain this arm position throughout
the movement.
MOVE
Use your obliques and abs to bend at the waist,
bringing your right elbow down toward your right
knee. Hold the bottom position for a second as
you contract your obliques and abs and then
slowly return to the start and repeat for reps.
Once you have completed all reps on the right
side, repeat on the left.
491
SIDE JACKKNIFE
START
Lie on the floor on your right side, keeping your left leg over your right one. Both
legs are straight. Place your right hand in
a comfortable position and cup your left
hand behind your head.
MOVE
As you pull with your obliques, bring your
torso and left leg toward each other. Hold
the contraction briefly and lower slowly
to the starting position. Complete the
desired number of reps and repeat on
the other side.
RUSSIAN TWIST
START
Lie faceup on the floor with your head
about a foot (30.5 centimeters) from
a stable object such as an exercise
machine. Extend your arms overhead to
grab the apparatus for stabilizing your
torso. Lift your legs straight up so that
they are perpendicular to the floor.
MOVE
Slowly lower your legs to the floor on your
right side. Reverse the movement to bring
them back up above you and then lower
them to the left side.
Note: To make this exercise more difficult, add resistance by holding a medicine
ball between your knees.
492
STANDING MEDICINE BALL ROTATION
START
Stand straight with knees slightly bent. Hold a
medicine ball with both hands at shoulder level.
Your training partner assumes the same position
behind you but without a medicine ball.
MOVE
Keeping your lower body in place, rotate your
torso to one side and pass the ball high to your
partner, who has simultaneously rotated in that
same direction. Then rotate in the other direction and receive the ball back from your partner,
this time in a lower position (hands at your
waist rather than at shoulder level). Continue
passing and receiving the ball in this fashion for
the desired number of reps. Then do the same
number of reps beginning with the ball high on
the other side.
BAND ROUNDHOUSE ELBOW
START
Take a strength band and wrap it around a secure
base such as a power rack, machine, or other
suitable structure. The band should be a little
below shoulder height. Attach a handle or ankle
strap to the bands. Stand sideways to the attachment point of the bands with your left foot closest
to it. Slide your left arm through the handle so
that the handle sits on the inside of your elbow.
Move your body far enough back from the band
attachment so that there is adequate tension.
Take a shoulder-width stance and hold your left
arm out to the side with a full bend at the elbow.
Your elbow should be pointing straight out to your
side. Hold your left wrist with your right hand.
MOVE
Once in place, rotate about the waist in an explosive but controlled fashion, contracting the abs
and obliques and pivoting on the back foot during
the movement. Slowly return to the start position
and repeat for reps. After completing all reps on
the left side, repeat on the right side.
493
LYING LEG RAISE
START
Lie faceup on the floor with your entire
body straight and your hands at your
sides on the floor to stabilize your
torso. Hold your legs a few inches off
the floor.
MOVE
Raise your legs up toward the ceiling
until they are just short of perpendicular to the floor. Slowly lower your legs
back to the starting position.
Note: To make this exercise more
difficult, perform it on a decline bench
with your head on the higher end.
SCISSOR KICK
START
Lie faceup on the floor with your entire
body straight and your hands at the
sides of your head. Hold your legs a
few inches off the floor.
MOVE
Make small, rapid, alternating up-anddown scissorlike motions as you lift
each leg about 45 degrees into the air
and lower each until your heel is a few
inches off the floor.
494
EXERCISE BALL PASS
START
Lie on your back with your legs and arms
extended. Hold an exercise ball in your
hands.
MOVE
Raise the ball overhead with your arms while
simultaneously bringing your legs toward it.
When your hands and feet meet, pass the
ball from your hands to your feet. Without
pausing, lower your arms and legs back
down. Continue in alternating fashion.
BARBELL ROLL-OUT
START
Kneel on the floor in front of a loaded barbell and grab the barbell with an overhand,
shoulder-width group. Your arms should be
straight and your torso fairly upright in the
start position.
MOVE
Allow the bar to roll forward as far as possible with just your knees and toes touching
the floor while you maintain your grip on the
bar. The goal is to be as flat as possible
in the finish position with your torso and
upper legs parallel with floor and hovering
just a couple inches above it. Then reverse
the motion to pull the bar back toward
your knees until your body is upright again.
Repeat for as many reps as possible.
495
DUMBBELL WOODCHOPPER
START
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart
and knees slightly bent. Grasp a light dumbbell
in both hands, holding it outside and above your
left shoulder.
MOVE
Slowly lower the dumbbell diagonally across your
body until it is beside your right hip. Reverse the
direction, returning to the starting position. Complete the desired number of reps, then repeat on
the right side.
CABLE WOODCHOPPER
START
Stand with your right side toward a high-pulley
cable with a rope handle attached to it. Grab the
handle with both hands and hold it outside your
right shoulder in a similar manner to the start of
the dumbbell woodchopper exercise.
MOVE
Pull the handle across the front of your body to
your left hip. Slowly resist the handle back to the
starting position. Complete the desired number
of reps and repeat on the left side.
496
BAND WOODCHOPPER
START
Stand with your left side facing the attachment point of the band set above shoulder
height. Grab the band with both hands,
just like an ax, and hold it outside your left
shoulder in a manner similar to the start of
an actual swing with an ax.
MOVE
Explosively pull the band across the front
of your body to the outside of your right
hip as though really swinging an ax. Slowly
resist the band back to the start position.
Complete the desired number of reps on
one side and then repeat on the other side.
PLANK
START
Get into a modified push-up position by
balancing your body on your forearms and
toes with your body in a straight line from
head to feet.
MOVE
Hold this position for the prescribed amount
of time while pulling your abs in and keeping
your hips from dropping toward the floor.
497
SIDE PLANK
START
Get in a side plank position by lying on
your right side on the floor with your left
foot rested on top of the inner side of your
right foot and your left arm rested on top
of your left side. Raise your body by placing
your right forearm flat on the floor so that
it's perpendicular to your torso. Lift your
torso until your right upper arm is straight
underneath you with your elbow bent 90
degrees and your forearm flat on the floor.
In this position, only your right forearm and
the outer side of your right foot are making
contact with the floor and your body forms
a diagonal line that is at about a 20-degree
angle to the floor.
MOVE
Keep your abs pulled in tight and hold this
position for as long as you can and then
repeat on the left side.
SIDE PLANK WITH REACH-THROUGH
START
Get in a side plank position with your right arm
as described in the side
plank exercise.
MOVE
Raise your left arm straight above you.
Then lower your arm under the opposite
armpit and through the other side as you
turn your body from a sideways position to
facing down toward the floor. Then reverse
the motion to bring your arm back up above
you. Focus on getting a good stretch in your
rear delts and middle traps as your arm
reaches the top position. When you have
completed all reps on one side, repeat on
the opposite side.
498
CHAPTER 25
Whole Body
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of
the exercises that involve multiple joints and use
multiple large muscle groups of the upper and
lower body. Not only are these great exercises
for building sheer power and strength, but they
make great cardio alternatives, especially with
techniques such as Power HIIT, Tabatas, and
cardioacceleration as discussed in chapter 12.
These exercises are divided into barbell whole-body
exercises and dumbbell, kettlebell, and medicine
ball whole-body exercises. Wherever a certain type
of exercise is used in a workout, any one of the
same type can be substituted.
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Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Barbell Whole-Body Exercises
Deadlift
Hex bar deadlift
Dead landmine
Dead curl press
Snatch
Clean and jerk
Power clean
Hang power clean
High pull
Hang pull
Smith machine hang power clean
Dumbbell high pull
Push press
Overhead squat
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503
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507
507
508
508
509
Dumbbell, Kettlebell, and Medicine Ball
Whole-Body Exercises
Dumbbell deadlift
Dumbbell clean and jerk
One-arm dumbbell snatch
Dumbbell power clean
Dumbbell hang clean
Dumbbell push press
Dumbbell overhead squat
Power dumbbell raise
Kettlebell snatch
Kettlebell swing
Medicine ball overhead throw
Medicine ball slam
Squat–jump–push–press
Dumbbell squat and overhead press
Dumbbell push-up and row
Dumbbell deadlift and upright row
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DEADLIFT
START
Stand over a loaded barbell resting on the floor
with a hip-width stance. Your shins should touch
the bar. Squat down to grab the bar using a
staggered grip. Your hands should be about
shoulder-width apart. Your torso should be bent
at 45 degrees over the bar and your arms should
be tensed and pulling on the bar. Your thighs are
slightly higher than parallel with the floor.
MOVE
Keep your abs pulled in tight and tense your
entire body. Drive through your heels to straighten
your knees and bring your hips forward until you
are in a standing position. Once standing, bring
your shoulders back slightly and pause. Lower
the barbell along the same path (close to your
body all the way down) to the floor. Touch the
plates lightly to the floor and begin your next rep.
Note: For a detailed description on using the
deadlift for maximal strength, as well as doing
the sumo deadlift, see chapter 8.
HEX BAR DEADLIFT
START
Stand in the middle of a loaded hex bar and
squat to grab the handles. In the start position
your thighs should be just above parallel with
the floor with your torso bent forward at about a
45-degree angle with the floor.
MOVE
Drive your heels through the floor as you extend
at the knees and hips to reach a fully upright
position and then slowly lower the bar to the floor.
You can lift significantly more weight in hex bar
deadlifts than in traditional deadlifts, and hex bar
deadlifts use more of the quadriceps and place
less stress on the lower back.
501
DEAD LANDMINE
START
MOVE
Load one end of a barbell with weight and place
the opposite and empty end of the barbell on
the floor or in a landmine base. Stand facing the
loaded end of the barbell with the weight plate
in between your feet and your left foot closer to
the end of the barbell. Squat and grab the barbell
using an underhand grip with your left hand and
an overhand grip with the right.
Extend at the hips and knees to drive the
weighted end of the barbell off the floor. As the
weight passes your hips, use your arms to continue lifting the bar as you pivot your feet to swing
the end of the bar across your chest and toward
your right side. Continue pivoting your feet as you
lower the bar to the floor on the right side. Once
the barbell touches the floor, repeat on the right
side to swing it over to the left side and repeat
for the prescribed number of reps or time interval.
502
DEAD CURL PRESS
START
Place a barbell on the floor in front of
you to assume a deadlift start with
your hands reversed in an underhand
grip so that the palms are facing
forward.
MOVE
Deadlift the barbell to the midthigh
and then immediately curl the barbell
into a biceps curl to the shoulders;
immediately complete the movement
with a reverse barbell shoulder press.
Reverse these movements to return
the bar to the floor and repeat for
reps.
SNATCH
START
Stand over a barbell placed on the
floor. Your legs are hip-width apart
and your shins are about an inch
(2.5 centimeters) from the bar. Squat
down and grab the barbell with a very
wide overhand grip. Your shoulders
should be over the barbell and your
back should be tightly arched.
MOVE
With one smooth motion, forcefully
extend at the hips and knees as you
swing the barbell forward and up with
your arms. The extension at the hips
and knees should be minimal—just
enough to start the barbell moving
from the floor. Immediately squat back
down by flexing at the hips and knees
as you extend the barbell straight
overhead. With the barbell extended
straight overhead, forcefully extend at
the hips and knees to stand straight
up. Return the barbell to the floor.
503
CLEAN AND JERK
START
Squat and grab a loaded barbell bar
resting on the floor using an overhand
grip with your feet spaced about hipwidth apart. Your hands should be
about shoulder-width apart with your
shins about an inch from the bar. Your
torso should be bent at 45 degrees
over the bar, and your arms should
be tensed and pulling on the bar. Your
thighs will be slightly higher than parallel with the floor.
MOVE
Keep your abs pulled in tight as you
drive explosively through your heels
to straighten your knees and hips to
lift the bar to hip height. Immediately
pull the bar up to shoulder height as
you squat under it to catch it on your
upper chest and shoulders. Extend at
the hips and knees to stand straight up
with a slight bend in the knees. Extend
forcefully at the knees and hips as you
press the bar straight overhead. You
can perform the press with your feet
stationary. Or you can split your legs
to drive one foot forward and the other
back, then bring your legs together
while keeping your arms extended
overhead. Return the bar back to the
starting position.
504
POWER CLEAN
START
Stand over a loaded barbell resting
on the floor with your feet spaced
hip-width apart. Your shins are about
an inch (2.5 centimeters) from the
bar. Squat to grab the bar using an
overhand grip. Your hands should be
spaced about shoulder-width apart.
Your torso should be bent at 45
degrees over the bar with your arms
tensed and pulling on the bar. Your
thighs are slightly higher than parallel
with the floor.
MOVE
Keep your abs pulled in tight and tense
your entire body. Drive explosively
through your heels to straighten your
knees and bring your hips forward until
the bar is at hip height. Pull the bar up
to your shoulders and squat under the
bar as you catch it on your shoulders
and whip your arms around so that the
elbows are pointing forward. Extend
at the hips and knees so that you are
standing straight up with a slight bend
in the knees with the bar resting on
your upper chest.
505
HANG POWER CLEAN
MOVE
This exercise is performed similar to
a power clean but the bar starts just
below the knees.
HIGH PULL
START
The first part of the movement is the
same as for the clean and jerk.
MOVE
When the bar reaches thigh level,
explosively move it upward by extending the hip, knee, and ankle joints in a
jumping motion. When you reach full
extension, shrug your shoulders. Then
pull with your arms, bringing the bar as
high as possible. Slowly lower the bar
and reset.
506
HANG PULL
START
Stand while holding a barbell in front of
your knees with an overhand grip. Both
your hands and feet are shoulder-width
apart. Your knees are slightly bent and
your torso is leaned forward slightly.
MOVE
Pull the bar upward in an explosive
manner by extending the hip, knee,
and ankle joints in a jumping motion.
Simultaneously shrug your shoulders,
then pull with your arms, bringing the
bar as high as possible. Slowly lower
the bar to thigh level.
SMITH MACHINE HANG POWER CLEAN
START
Stand in the middle of the Smith
machine and position the bar at just
above knee height. Take an overhand
grip (I suggest a hook grip where the
fingers wrap over the thumb) on the bar
outside of shoulder width and unhook
the bar from the machine. Your arms
should be fully extended with your head
and chest up. Your elbows should be
pointed out with your shoulders back
and down. Your hips should be back and
knees should be slightly bent.
MOVE
Initiate the movement by forcefully
extending the hips, knees, and ankles,
accelerating into the bar. Use your traps
to initiate pulling the bar up and transfer
that motion into the shoulders to continue raising the bar. Once your lower
body has reached full extension, bend
the hips and knees again to lower your
receiving position. Allow the arms to flex
at this point, rotating the elbows around
the bar to receive it on your shoulders.
Extend through the hips and knees to
come to a standing position with the bar
racked on your shoulders to complete
the movement. Lower the bar to the
start position and repeat for reps.
507
DUMBBELL HIGH PULL
START
Stand while holding the dumbbells in front of
your thighs with an overhand grip. Both your
hands and feet are shoulder-width apart. Your
knees are slightly bent and your torso is leaning
forward slightly.
MOVE
Pull the dumbbells upward in an explosive
manner by extending the hip, knee, and ankle
joints in a jumping motion. Simultaneously shrug
your shoulders, then pull with your arms, bringing
the dumbbells as high as possible. Slowly lower
the dumbbells to thigh level.
PUSH PRESS
START
Assume a front squat starting position.
MOVE
Bend slightly at the knees and then explode
upward onto the balls of your feet, simultaneously
pressing the bar overhead. Hold this position for
a split second before returning to the bent-knee
position.
508
OVERHEAD SQUAT
START
Press a barbell straight overhead with a widerthan-shoulder-width grip. Lock out your arms and
hold the bar overhead.
MOVE
Squat down into a full squat, pause at the bottom,
and return to a standing position while holding
the bar overhead.
DUMBBELL DEADLIFT
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with
a dumbbell on the floor outside of each foot.
Squat down to grab the dumbbells using a neutral
grip. Your torso is bent at 45 degrees over the
floor with your arms tensed and pulling on the
dumbbells. Your thighs are slightly higher than
parallel with the floor.
MOVE
Keep your abs pulled in tight and tense your
entire body, then drive through your heels to
straighten your knees and bring your hips forward until you are in a standing position with the
dumbbells at your sides. Once standing, bring
your shoulders back slightly and pause. Lower
the dumbbells along the same path to the floor.
Touch the weights lightly to the floor and begin
your next rep.
509
DUMBBELL CLEAN AND JERK
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with
a dumbbell on the floor outside of each foot.
Squat down to grab the dumbbells using a neutral grip. Your torso is bent at 45 degrees over
the floor with your arms tensed and pulling on
the dumbbells. Your thighs are slightly higher
than parallel with the floor.
MOVE
Keep your abs pulled in tight, and tense your
entire body. Drive explosively through your heels
to straighten your knees and bring your hips
forward until the dumbbells are at hip height.
Pull the dumbbells up to your shoulders and
squat under them as you catch them on your
shoulders and whip your arms around so that
the elbows are pointing forward. Extend at the
hips and knees so that you are standing straight
up with a slight bend in the knees and with the
dumbbells resting on your shoulders. Extend
forcefully at the knees and hips as you press the
dumbbells straight overhead. You can also use
a split stance as shown. Return the dumbbells
back to the starting position.
510
ONE-ARM DUMBBELL SNATCH
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with
a dumbbell on the floor in the middle of your
feet. Squat down to grab the dumbbell using an
overhand grip with your right hand. Your torso is
bent at 45 degrees over the floor with your arm
tensed and pulling on the dumbbell. Your thighs
are slightly higher than parallel with the floor.
MOVE
With one smooth motion, forcefully extend at
the hips and knees as you pull the dumbbell
up keeping it close to your body. The extension
at the hips and knees should be minimal—just
enough to start the dumbbells moving from the
floor. Immediately squat back down by flexing at
the hips and knees as you extend the dumbbell
straight overhead. With the dumbbell extended
straight overhead, forcefully extend at the hips
and knees to stand straight up. Return the
dumbbell back to the floor, and repeat on the
left side.
DUMBBELL POWER CLEAN
START
Stand with your feet hip-width apart with a dumbbell on the floor outside of each foot. Squat
down to grab the dumbbells using a neutral
grip. Your torso is bent at 45 degrees over the
floor with your arms tensed and pulling on the
dumbbells. Your thighs are slightly higher than
parallel with the floor.
MOVE
Keep your abs pulled in tight, and tense your
entire body. Drive explosively through your heels
to straighten your knees and bring your hips
forward until the dumbbells are at hip height.
Pull the dumbbells up to your shoulders and
squat under them as you catch them on your
shoulders and whip your arms around so that
the elbows are pointing forward. Extend at the
hips and knees so that you are standing straight
up with a slight bend in the knees and with the
dumbbells resting on your shoulders. Carefully
return the dumbbells to the floor.
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DUMBBELL HANG CLEAN
MOVE
This exercise is similar to the dumbbell power
clean, but you start by holding the dumbbells
at the sides of your thighs.
DUMBBELL PUSH PRESS
MOVE
This exercise is similar to the part of the
dumbbell clean and jerk where the dumbbells
rest on your shoulders.
512
DUMBBELL OVERHEAD SQUAT
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and
extend the dumbbells over your head and lock
your wrists and elbows.
MOVE
Keeping your heels flat on the floor, squat down
as close to parallel as you can, shifting the
dumbbells back behind your head to counterbalance the movement. Come back up to the
start position all the while keeping your abs
tight and chest out.
POWER DUMBBELL RAISE
START
Stand erect while holding a pair of dumbbells
at your sides. Knees are slightly bent, feet
are shoulder-width apart, and toes are slightly
pointed out.
MOVE
Bend your knees slightly and then straighten
them as you raise the dumbbells up toward
your armpits. As the weights approach that
position, push off the balls of your feet.
513
KETTLEBELL SNATCH
START
In a shoulder-width stance with a kettlebell between your feet, squat to grasp
the kettlebell with your left hand while
keeping your torso at a 45-degree angle
with the floor.
MOVE
Explode up by extending at the hips,
knees, and ankles. Drive your heels
into the floor as you pull the kettlebell
up, keeping it close to your body. As the
kettlebell reaches your head, allow the
momentum it has gathered to swing over
and end up on the top side of your forearm
with your arm extended straight overhead.
Reverse the motion to lower the kettlebell
to the floor and then immediately perform
in the same way with your right arm.
Alternate arms each time until you have
completed the desired number of reps or
amount of time.
KETTLEBELL SWING
START
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
holding the kettlebell with both arms in
front of you.
MOVE
Drop your hips back and down just as you
would sit in a chair, allowing the kettlebell
to swing down in between your legs. Use
your legs and hips to explosively extend at
the knees and hips to swing the kettlebell
up. The most important aspect of the lift is
the hip thrust. As you swing the kettlebell
up, you are not using your shoulders or
your arms to help the kettlebell up; all you
should use is your hips.
514
MEDICINE BALL OVERHEAD THROW
START
Hold a medicine ball with both hands in
front of your upper chest.
MOVE
Squat and explode up as you launch the
ball up overhead by explosively extending
your arms. As the ball leaves your hands,
your feet should be off the floor. Land on
the ground with soft knees to absorb the
force of the landing and allow the ball to
land on the floor, but make sure that it
doesn't land on you. Pick up the ball and
repeat.
MEDICINE BALL SLAM
START
Hold a medicine ball with both hands in
front of your chest.
MOVE
In an explosive manner, use your entire
body to slam the medicine ball to the floor.
If the medicine ball bounces high enough,
catch it and repeat for the desired number
of reps or time. If not, pick the medicine
up and repeat.
515
SQUAT–JUMP–PUSH–PRESS
START
In a shoulder-width stance, hold dumbbells at shoulder level so that your palms
face each other.
MOVE
Descend into a full squat and then
explode upward, jumping out of the
squat as you press the weights to full
extension so that your feet leave the
floor. As you land, lower the weights back
to your shoulders, making sure to bend
your knees to “catch” them smoothly.
Descend immediately into another rep.
DUMBBELL SQUAT AND OVERHEAD PRESS
START
Hold two dumbbells at shoulder level
with the ends of the dumbbell resting
on the top of your shoulders. Keep your
low back arched. Feet are slightly wider
than shoulder width and toes are pointed
out slightly.
MOVE
Squat down, holding the dumbbells in
position at shoulder level. Pause for a
second at the bottom when your thighs
reach parallel with the ground, then drive
back up to the starting position. When
your knees are almost fully extended,
press the dumbbells overhead. Finish
with your arms fully extended overhead
with your elbows straight but not locked.
Slowly lower the dumbbells back to
shoulder level and begin the next rep.
516
DUMBBELL PUSH-UP AND ROW
START
Place two dumbbells about shoulder-width
apart on the floor. Get set in the bottom of
a push-up position with your hands holding
on to the weights. Place your feet about
one to two feet (30.5 to 61 centimeters)
apart for support and balance.
MOVE
Press yourself up by extending your elbows
until your upper body is completely off the
floor. When your elbows are fully extended,
shift your body weight to your right arm and
row the left dumbbell up to your left side,
keeping your elbow as close to your body
as possible. Lower the dumbbell back to
the floor, shift your body weight over to your
left side, and row the left dumbbell up to
your right side. Lower the weight back to
the floor and then lower your upper body
back to the floor by bending your elbows.
That completes one rep.
DUMBBELL DEADLIFT AND UPRIGHT ROW
START
The start is similar to the start of the
dumbbell deadlift.
MOVE
Drive through your legs to lift the weights
to a standing position. From there, go
immediately into a dumbbell upright
row, keeping the weights close to your
body and pulling them to mid-chest level.
Slowly reverse the movements to return
the weights to the floor.
517
CHAPTER 26
Calisthenics
This chapter contains detailed descriptions of
rhythmic calisthenic-type exercises that generally
use many muscles. The exercises covered in
this chapter typically make a great alternative to
standard cardio, such as jogging, especially when
employing HIIT cardio methods, including standard
HIIT, Tabatas, Power HIIT, and cardioacceleration,
as covered in chapter 12.
518
These exercises are not broken down into specific categories as the previous exercise chapters
are, but they are grouped with exercises that are
similar in nature. You can replace almost any one
of these exercises with any other in this chapter.
BENCH HOP-OVER
START
Place your hands on the top of a flat weight bench
with both feet on the left side of the bench toward
the end of it.
MOVE
Hold the bench securely with both hands and hop
your legs over the top of the bench and land them
on the right side. Immediately hop back over to
the left side. Keep hopping over the bench in this
manner for the prescribed time.
BOX JUMP
START
Stance facing a box or platform approximately a
foot or so in front of you with your arms down at
your sides and legs slightly bent.
MOVE
Using your arms to aid in the initial burst, jump
upward and forward, landing with both feet simultaneously on top of the box. Immediately drop
back to the start position and continue in this
manner.
519
BURPEE
START
Start in a standing position.
MOVE
Crouch down, placing your hands on the floor in
front of you. Kick your feet back into a solid plank
push-up position and then bend your elbows and
execute a full push-up. Hop your feet toward your
hands into a crouch position. Use your legs to
explode upward into a jump as high as you can
with your arms extended overhead. Land on the
floor and repeat for the desired number of reps
or time.
JUMPING JACK
START
Stand with your arms at your sides and your feet
together.
MOVE
In one movement, jump up and separate your legs
as you raise your arms to the sides